Day: May 23, 2024

Turkish Airlines has described as illegal the recent picketing of the organisation by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), which disrupted its operations, forcing flight cancellations on May 21, 2024.

The airline made its position known in a statement issued by its media relations office on Thursday.

It said the National Industrial Court (NICN) had on April 30 issued formal notices of injunction restraining NUATE and its affiliate unions from embarking on any industrial action to disrupt its business.

The airline said NUATE’s action, carried out under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was contrary to its transparency and management principles and had caused serious financial losses.

‘Our attention has been drawn to various malicious and unfounded publications orchestrated by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (the ‘Union’ or ‘NUATE’) regarding Turkish Airlines and its former employees.

‘We would like to respectfully announce to the public that the Airline has
no tolerance for this and all similar illegal and wrongful actions and will act accordingly and exercise all its legal rights regarding the process,’ it said.

Turkish Airline further explained that the problem began when it dismissed seven of its employees, who were NUATE members.

The union then claimed that their dismissal was based on trumped-up charges.

‘In late 2023, the airline discovered an unfortunate pattern of ticket racketeering, particularly various ticketing reservation violations committed by seven employees.

‘This caused the airline significant economic losses valued at more than 600,000 dollars.

‘Upon discovering the violations, the airline immediately engaged the union in discussions on how to address the said violations.

‘Specifically, the union was invited and acted as a member of a disciplinary committee set up to review the matter concerning the erring employees,’ the airline said.

The airline explained that it later determined, after the presentation of irrefutable evidence detail
ing the employees’ wrongdoings, that the employees were liable for gross misconduct and ought to be dismissed.

It said that after the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, the airline advised the employees to resign voluntarily, which three of the seven employees took.

The remaining four employees indicated they were interested in resigning later.

‘In spite of the clear and undisputable evidence of wrongdoing identified, the union has continuously threatened to paralyse the airline’s operations in Nigeria by way of industrial action if the employees are not reinstated.

‘Premised on the threat of industrial action issued by NUATE by notices dated 28 February 2024 and 25 March 2024, the Airline instituted proceedings in Suit No.: NICN/LA/24/2024 – Turkish Airlines Incorporated v The Registered Trustees of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), seeking to determine the legality of the Union’s (threatened) actions, among other things,’ it said.

The Airline said that after the institutio
n of this suit at NICN and after service had been effected on the Union on 9 February 2024, NUATE proceeded to execute their threats to picket it while motions for injunction were pending before the Court.

It said that on 26 March 2024, union members of NUATE barricaded the Airline’s check-in stations at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos State, and prevented its passengers from boarding for over 2 hours.

It was only through the intervention of the airport authorities that NUATE’s attempts to cause a complete breakdown of law and order at the airport were thwarted.

‘Premised on the actions of the Union on 26 March 2024, the Airline would like to state that since 2006 when it launched its operations in Lagos, Nigeria, it has continued to put the interest of its passengers and employees first.

‘The Airline has always encouraged its employees to participate in any union of their choice and has sought to work harmoniously with all governmental and non-governmental bodies in Nigeria,’ it added.

The News Agency o
f Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday waded into the matter for an amicable resolution of the issues at stake.

With the latest development, the airline has now decided to resume full operations.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The final building blocks have been laid for the establishment of South Africa’s latest automotive manufacturing site, paving the way for construction to begin at the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay, in the Eastern Cape.

Stellantis, the world’s third biggest automotive manufacturer by volume, and South Africa’s largest development funder, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have concluded key milestones that will lead to a joint venture.

The investment estimated at R3 billion is expected to facilitate the creation of massive employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape.

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC), which is supplying the ground on which the factory will be built, has begun preparing the site for the start of construction.

‘I welcome the progress made with concluding all modalities with Stellantis that will enable construction to commence this year and start of production of a new auto model to roll off the assembly line by the end of 2025,’ said Ebrah
im Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

‘The SA auto industry is Africa’s largest producer of cars, bakkies and trucks and this new investment by Stellantis will consolidate the country’s position, helping us to achieve the goal of producing 1.4 million vehicles by 2035.

‘The biggest attractions for new investors are the size of the domestic market, together with the auto industry masterplan, which supports local production for both South Africa and export markets,’ said the Minister.

He added that Stellantis has a strong growth vision with an excellent range of vehicles in its global stable.

‘We look forward through this investment to increasing the range of locally manufactured cars available to motorists,’ Patel said.

The Minister said it was heartening to see the manner in which the combination of expertise within the collective of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the IDC, CDC and Stellantis united to form a cross functional team that is making excellent progre
ss.

‘It’s this teamwork that will realise not only having Stellantis as SA’s eighth OEM, but most importantly in realising the plans for employment and investment in South Africa and support our industrialisation drive.

‘We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Stellantis and South Africa,’ Minister Patel said.

Stellantis Middle East Africa (MEA) COO, Samir Cherfan, Stellantis SA MD Mike Whitfield, IDC interim CEO David Jarvis, including CDC Acting CEO Themba Khoza agreed with Patel’s sentiment stating that progress made so far was in line with their respective organisation’s strategic development goals.

‘The construction of this plant is critical to Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy. This strategy also speaks to the South African industrialisation plan which is a very important tool in helping us achieve our target to produce a million units in the MEA region by 2030 – a factor that will help us attain 22% market share in this region.

‘Our medium to long-term objectiv
e is to ensure that 90% of vehicles sold in the MEA region are sourced from our production plants in this region,’ said Cherfan.

The project is a major vote of confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and as a gateway into Africa.

‘We are very proud of being involved in this; the construction of this plant is a major statement of faith in this country and the capacity of South Africans to be entrusted with running a project of this magnitude.

‘This is a factory of which we can all be proud of, not just because of what it will represent to the people of the Eastern Cape, but also because of the technological advances that it will incorporate and the environmentally conscious way that it has been planned, will be built and will be operated,’ Cherfan added.

All fauna and flora have been successfully removed from the site and rehomed as per the environmental impact study conducted by Coega.

Coega Acting CEO Themba Koza said: ‘Coega is focused on delivering the finest plant for Stellantis, rein
forcing the Coega SEZ as an automotive hub in the country, in line with its vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.

‘The impending construction of the Stellantis factory has acted as a catalyst to other investors. We have had numerous requests to support the automotive sector in Coega and to rapidly grow our planned supplier park.’

IDC’s Jarvis said the new company to house the Stellantis-IDC JV is on track to be registered.

‘The milestones concluded thus far will help to kick start a project that will significantly improve the economic fortunes of the Eastern Cape,’ Jarvis said.

He added that the IDC is pleased to be partnering with such a reputable automotive manufacturing company of Stellantis’s stature.

‘Stellantis’s success with other manufacturing plants around the world is well-known. Together, we are highlighting the IDC’s intent to continually participate and drive investment to develop the regional automobile value chain,’ Jarvis said.

Source: Sout
h African Government News Agency

Phase 2 of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project will be unveiled in Chaneng in the Rustenburg Local Municipality on Friday.

The project will be unveiled by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, together with North West Premier, Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi, under the province’s Thuntsha Lerole Programme – a service delivery acceleration drive.

The water supply project is part of the ‘Operation Bulela Metsi’ water services intervention programme set up by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the North West Provincial Government last year to accelerate water supply projects and enhance access to consistent and reliable water supply in the province.

Phase 2 of the bulk water supply project includes a 30ML reservoir construction, which commenced on 30 November 2021, and the construction of the Mafenya pump station and pipeline to Tlhabane which commenced on 29 July 2022.

Both construction projects are expected to be completed on 30 May 2024.

‘Rustenburg Local Municipality has been experiencin
g severe water challenges due to the influx of people seeking greener pastures in the mines.

‘Phase 2 of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which runs from Mafenya village in Chaneng to Tlhabane, will provide relief through a basic sustainable, minimum supply of water to 63 238 households under the Royal Bafokeng Administration and Rustenburg Local Municipality,’ the department said in a statement.

The project has already created 250 jobs for locals.

The unveiling of the project will be followed by a community engagement at Mafenya Primary School Sport Ground.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late retired Justice of the Constitutional Court, Yvonne Mokgoro, as ‘a champion of human rights, an outstanding jurist and an icon of gender justice’.

The President was delivering the eulogy at Mogkoro’s Special Official Funeral Category 1 held at the Bryanston Catholic Church in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Mokgoro died earlier this month following an illustrious legal career which included her appointment as South Africa’s first black female justice of the Constitutional Court in 1994 – a position she held for some 15 years.

‘We gather here today to lay to rest a great South African, a champion of human rights, an outstanding jurist and an icon of gender justice.

‘Through her life and through her work, Imbokodo Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was a pioneer. In so many respects, her legacy is a tribute to resilience, to principled activism and to steadfastness, no matter how great the obstacle or how difficult the climb,’ he said.

Mokgoro’s appointment to the Constitutional
Court in democratic South Africa was born out of dedication to the legal service over many years.

She was inspired to join the fraternity by Pan Africanist Congress leader, lawyer and anti-apartheid activist, Robert Sobukwe, who represented her following arrest due to her protesting against ill treatment of young black men by the Apartheid era police in the 1970s.

‘Reaching that pinnacle was not a simple progression. It did not come easy. It was the culmination of many years of hard work.

‘Her appointment to the Constitutional Court was the product of many years of both formal and self-study to better herself and to advance in her chosen profession. It was the fulfilment of a dream in which she never lost faith, even while working in a host of different jobs, as a nursing assistant, a retail salesperson and as a clerk.

‘It was a progression from a successful career as a legal academic when she produced ground-breaking research on customary law. This all at a time when our jurisprudence and case law around
this subject were still evolving. It was an achievement that followed decades of building a rigorous and demanding career,’ President Ramaphosa said.

According to the President, Mokgoro’s life as a black woman and living under apartheid and then democracy is a reflection of the lives of many black women in South Africa.

‘The life of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was the life of untold numbers of black women in this country under apartheid, who bore the triple burden of race, class and gender. She sought to carve a path for herself at a time when the odds were stacked heavily against women, and against black women in particular.

‘And yet she went forth with courage, with determination, and with the humility that was her trademark. It is because she understood these struggles so keenly, because she had experienced them first-hand, that Justice Mokgoro was such a passionate and ardent advocate for gender justice,’ he said.

Champion for social justice

This, according to the President, triggered the ‘humanism and co
mmitment to social justice’ that she brought to the bench and even after she retired.

This was reflected in her work in South Africa and abroad.

‘Between 2016 and 2020, Justice Mokgoro chaired the [United Nations] Internal Justice Council, which is tasked with ensuring independence, professionalism and accountability in the administration of the justice system of the UN.

‘In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in the United States in 2020, which gave birth to the global Black Lives Matter movement, the UN Human Rights Council set up an Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law-Enforcement. Justice Mokgoro was appointed as its first chair.

‘As South Africa we are immensely proud that our jurists are held in such high regard internationally on matters of human rights, racial discrimination and gender justice,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Turning to Mokgoro’s family, the President said South Africans ‘we share in your sorrow’.

‘May you be comforted by the knowledge t
hat Justice Mokgoro’s life and works continue to inspire and to guide.

‘May we all have her courage. May we all have her resilience. May we all, in reflecting on her legacy, be reminded of our duty to help build a South Africa of true equality, of freedom and of human rights,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has officially handed over headstones to 21 affected families of fallen former Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operatives who died between 1986 and 1990.

The Deputy President described the occasion in Soweto, Johannesburg, as an important and historic moment that must go down in the annals of history.

‘We are living up to the constitutional injunction which enjoins us to, ‘recognise the injustices of our past, honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land, and to heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights’,’ he said on Tuesday.

He said he hoped that the unveiling would bring closure to the suffering and agony of the families who endured the pain.

The Deputy President told the families and the other attendees that the liberation heroes had made enormous sacrifices, including disintegrated families to secure the freedom many enjoy today.

He took the time to pay tribute to the brave men
and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.

‘We will never forget their selflessness, courage, and commitment to defending our nation. They demonstrated remarkable courage and strength in the face of adversity, showing unwavering determination and fortitude in the most difficult of situations.’

He believed that it was unfortunate that many liberation heroes never saw the dawn of democracy ushered in 1994. ‘However, they have paid the ultimate price with the hope of a South Africa that we have today.’

He recounted the journey of South Africans before 1994 as challenging and arduous.

The country’s second-in-command said the apartheid system robbed black South Africans of the right to exercise fundamental human rights.

These include the right to vote, access to equal access and quality education and healthcare, and the freedom to move around freely throughout the country without restriction.

Despite facing immense challenges and brutal crackdowns, he said South Africans never gave
up their fight for freedom and equality.

‘As we remember and commemorate their sacrifice, it is important for us to not only honour their memory but also to ensure that their legacy lives on. We must continue to support and care for our veterans and their families. We must strive to create a society that values and respects the sacrifices made by MK veterans and their families.’

He said the country has a collective duty to protect the democratic gains and break free from the shackles of poverty and high levels of inequality.

Deputy President Mashatile said under-development was now the common enemy, which needed a more focused response.

Meanwhile, he expressed regret that some veterans and their families were still struggling with poverty after 30 years of democracy.

‘Sadly, most of these brave men and women were never able to save for retirement or their children’s futures by funding health care plans or pensions, or by looking into different options for skills development or financing for their schooli
ng.’

He said government was actively working to bring about the change it deserves.

Through the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans, he said the state was committed to addressing the concerns and needs raised with the government regarding veterans’ benefits, support, and improving access and services to military veterans.

‘We are committed to providing support to the families of MK veterans in various ways, including financial assistance, to ensure they can lead fulfilling lives.’

A wreath-laying ceremony took place at five cemeteries, including one headstone in Ga-Rankuwa, two at Crystal Park, four in Tembisa, seven at Avalon and eight at Westpark.

Source: South African Government News Agency

SA tourism ranks high in tourism index on the continent

South Africa has ranked the highest in the African region on the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum.

‘We are extremely pleased with this ranking as it affirms our commitment and work to elevate the significance and contribution of the tourism sector in South Africa,’ Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said on Thursday.

South Africa was ranked 55 among 119 countries and emerged as the leading country in the rankings for the African continent in the second edition of an index by the World Economic Forum.

The report, which was released earlier this week, revealed that South Africa is home to the largest Travel and Tourism Economy in Africa. It measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the travel and tourism sector, which in turn contributes to the development of a country.

In 2023, South Africa welcomed close to 8.5 million international visitors of whi
ch 6.4million were from the African continent. This represents a significant increase of 48.9% compared to 2022 arrivals.

During the first quarter of 2024 – January to March – South African welcomed 2.4million visitors from the rest of the world. This represents a notable 15.4% increase when compared with the same period in 2023.

‘The tourism sector has achieved robust growth over the past year and this is due to closer partnerships and collaborations with the private sector to grow tourism to its full potential,’ De Lille said.

In the 2024 Index, South Africa moved up seven places compared to its previous ranking and scored high for price competitiveness, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) readiness, natural resources and travel and tourism socio-economic impact.

‘We are delighted by the growth and our mission remains to exponentially grow arrival numbers and the overall performance of the tourism sector. The sector already makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Pro
duct (GDP) and job creation efforts but there is still so much more to be done.

‘We have been working closer with the private sector and we are bearing fruit. I want to acknowledge and thank the tourism private sector stakeholders for all their hard work and collaborating with government to grow this exciting and important sector. The South Africa tourism sector’s greatest asset is our people and we will continue working to grow tourism’s contribution to the prosperity of people and the planet,’ the Minister said.

Source: South African Government News Agency