South Africa is experiencing a wave of labor disputes and efforts to combat corruption. In the aviation sector, FlySafair cabin crew members, represented by the South African Cabin Crew Association, have embarked on a strike over pay and work roster issues. The strike, which began at midnight, is demanding higher wages and a review of their work schedules. Despite the strike, FlySafair has assured passengers that its flight schedule will not be disrupted, with over two-thirds of its cabin crew committing to continue working.

In a separate development, the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure has enlisted the support of traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal to tackle construction mafias that have been disrupting government projects. Minister Dean Macpherson and KZN MEC Martin Meyer met with King Misuzulu to discuss infrastructure developments and ways to combat the influence of construction gangs, which have been accused of extortion, project delays, and violence. A new framework of social facilitation has been created to curb the mafia’s activities, with the king pledging his support for the department’s efforts to improve infrastructure in the province.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has begun wage negotiations with Eskom, demanding a 15% salary increase, a monthly housing allowance of R7,000, and an 80% contribution to medical aid from the company. The current three-year wage agreement expires in June next year, and NUM has warned that the talks could be complicated by Eskom’s restructuring into three entities. The union argues that this undermines collective bargaining and worker unity, and has reiterated its stance that all negotiations should remain within the central bargaining forum. With rising living costs justifying the wage demand, the outcome of these negotiations is likely to have significant implications for the sector.