Solidarity Union demands disclosure of Media24 management salaries amid layoffs

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has criticized the company Premier Foods regarding its plans to close its fruit canning factory in Tulbagh. The union warns that this decision could jeopardize the jobs of thousands of people and the livelihoods of local farmers.

Furthermore, the union expressed concern over the company's CEO, Kobus Gertenhab, who is reportedly due a bonus of R17.4 million, which would increase his total compensation for the 2026 financial year to R26.1 million.

Cosatu stated that 'the proposed closure of the Fruits Products Western Cape (FPWC) factory in Tulbagh will lead to the devastation of the region.' It specified that this threatens approximately 3500 permanent and seasonal jobs at the factory, over 2000 permanent farm worker positions, as well as the livelihoods of about 200 commercial producers and their suppliers. The factory processes up to 60,000 tons of fruit annually and purchases products worth R300 million from local farmers.

The union also warned that farmers could suffer losses, as some producers have already invested in preparing for the next season and may be left without buyers for their produce. Cosatu linked the planned closure to Premier Foods' acquisition of RFG Holdings, believing it is part of a cost-cutting process.

The Competition Commission is investigating whether the closure complies with the conditions attached to the merger. The union called on Premier Foods to immediately cease the Section 189 consultation process, fulfill its contracts with producers, and find a sustainable solution for the Tulbagh factory. Cosatu stated that they support workers, farmers, and the entire community in opposing this 'heartless decision.'

The union warned that if Premier Foods does not meet these demands and continues the Section 189 consultation process with the intention of closure, they will have no choice but to organize mass public protests to protect jobs and livelihoods, and file an urgent injunction to halt this reckless process. Cosatu Western Cape will engage with all stakeholders, including the Government and the Competition Commission, to ensure the reversal of this reckless decision and prioritize the interests of workers and local communities over excessive executive pay.

Icasa, the communications regulator, has notified that its services will not be affected during the protected staff strike, which begins on Thursday, August 6. In response to inquiries from TechCentral, Icasa confirmed that its recognized union, Nehawu, had notified them of the intention to strike starting Thursday due to negotiations over the cost of living adjustment.

Icasa emphasized that it respects the constitutional right of workers to lawful industrial action. The organization stated that all its services 'will continue to operate in normal mode,' and no disruptions in operations or service provision are expected. It was added that measures have been taken to manage operations and services during this period.

The public statement from the body did not specify how the negotiations broke down. However, a letter to employees, signed by the CEO of Icasa and titled 'Update on Compensation Negotiations for the 2026/27 Fiscal Year,' reports that the parties failed to reach an agreement. Consequently, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration issued a certificate of non-resolution to Nehawu, which is a procedural step allowing for a protected strike.

Icasa informed employees that following this, it activated a clause in its remuneration policy that grants it the right to implement the proposed increase if consultations do not lead to an agreement. Based on this, the final offer was implemented, and employees received a 4.5% raise with the June salary payment. The letter does not specify what Nehawu was seeking.

Return to Office

TechCentral received a copy of the letter from a third party on Tuesday evening. Instead of publishing the document, whose authenticity could not be guaranteed, the publication sent it to Icasa and refrained from publishing until its authenticity was confirmed by the press service.

The letter mandates all employees to work at Icasa offices starting Wednesday, August 5, 'until further notice,' citing the regulator's hybrid work guidelines, which allow line managers to require presence for operational reasons. Icasa described this measure as aimed at maintaining operational oversight and managing attendance during the strike.

The 'no work, no pay' principle will apply during the strike, in accordance with the picketing rules agreed upon between Icasa and Nehawu. Attendance lists will be distributed for employees who are not participating in the strike, and staff will need to confirm their time by providing line managers with proof of daily work volume. Anyone who fails to report to the Icasa office will be considered to be participating in the strike.

Managers and non-negotiation group employees intending to join the action were asked to notify their supervisors in advance. Employees on approved leave, training, or business trips were advised to clearly inform their managers and HR department so they would not be mistakenly recorded as striking. Non-striking employees were instructed to use the underground parking, and separate attendance monitoring will be organized for regional offices.

TechCentral asked Icasa about contingency plans in place to maintain regulatory functions during the strike—specifically, whether licensing and type approval processes, spectrum work, consumer complaint handling, board meetings, and any scheduled hearings or public consultation deadlines would be affected, and whether any legislative deadlines were at risk. The body did not address these points individually, providing a general assurance that services would continue as usual.