BMW SA workers strike, and R500 million electricity meter fumble

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

• BMW SA workers strike: BMW SA has denied mass dismissals at its Pretoria plant, attributing worker protests which started on Monday to a fraud investigation involving the BMW Employees Medical Aid Scheme. The company emphasised its zero-tolerance policy for corruption and confirmed that any terminations would be followed by recruitment and upskilling efforts. Meanwhile a worker claimed the issue began with labor disputes and escalated to mass dismissals affecting hundreds of people, leading to the strike. [Business Day]

• eThekwini’s R500 million electricity meter fumble: eThekwini metro’s R500 million pilot project for new smart electricity meters has failed, as the devices do not work. Launched in 2021, the project aimed to install meters capable of remote data transmission. However, internal audits revealed significant irregularities in the contracts awarded to Africa Utility Solutions (AUS) for this project.[News24]

• Ballito protests: Hundreds of residents from Shaka’s Head informal settlement marched on Monday to municipal offices in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, demanding toilets, water and electricity. The marchers are organised by Abahlali baseMjondolo. “The living conditions in the area are difficult because we don’t have basic services,” said community leader Ntombikhaya Ludziya. He said they wanted to be recognised by the Ilembe District Municipality and to be given housing and basic services. [GroundUp]

• Labour Court cracks whip on former national laboratory chief: The Labour Court has dismissed former National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) CEO Joyce Mogale’s unfair dismissal claim and ordered her to pay over R22 million due to procurement irregularities during her tenure. Mogale, who was dismissed in 2019 along with former CFO Sikhumbuzo Zulu, faced charges related to R200 million in procurement issues. [Daily Maverick]

• Markets: The  rand gained on Monday against a weaker dollar, as markets geared up for a week packed with interest rate announcements and a local inflation print. On Tuesday (17 September), the rand was trading at R17.64 to the dollar, R23.36 to the pound, and R19.61 to the euro. Oil is trading at $73.06 a barrel. [Reuters]