Farmers in Katarniyaghat patrol elephant corridors at night to protect crops

In connection with Women's Month in South Africa, the Information and Communication Technology Union (ICTU) expressed serious concern over alleged double standards in organized labor, strongly criticizing the South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) for its involvement in legal and other actions concerning the Sekunjalo group and the independent media sector.

As an affiliate of SAFTU, ICTU accused SACTWU of 'selective activism' and questioned what it termed 'selective solidarity,' especially when actions against a media organization could jeopardize the jobs and livelihoods of journalists and other media staff.

ICTU stated that it is increasingly facing the complex reality of protecting workers not only from employers but also from the actions of fellow trade unions, which, in ICTU's view, may risk jobs to achieve other objectives.

Furthermore, the union reported that SACTWU allegedly ignored previous requests from ICTU to hold union discussions regarding the litigation. ICTU insisted that disputes affecting workers, companies, and organized labor should be resolved through substantive engagement before taking measures that could have serious employment consequences. The union called again for 'genuine dialogue between unions' on this matter, emphasizing that solidarity must be demonstrated through actions that protect all workers.

ICTU stressed that the protection of women's rights is inextricably linked to their economic security, pointing out that female journalists, editors, and other media professionals depend on the sustainability of the media industry. ICTU leadership stated: 'We cannot talk about women's empowerment while remaining silent when the sustainability of workplaces where women work is threatened. Journalists are workers with constitutional rights, and their livelihoods deserve protection. Protecting women must include protecting stable and sustainable employment.'

Regarding the events surrounding the Sekunjalo Group, ICTU argued that they should be viewed within the broader context of employment and transformation in the South African media landscape. The union noted the Group's stated commitment to maintaining and increasing employment, including opportunities for women in senior editorial and management positions, specifically mentioning the appointment of experienced media leader and editor Melanie Peters to a leadership role. ICTU welcomed initiatives such as the launch of The National and the development within the National Media Group (NMG) as efforts to expand the media landscape. The union believes that in an industry already facing editorial restructuring, cost-cutting, and layoffs, priority should be given to efforts to maintain and expand operations, rather than corporate disputes. The CEO of the Sekunjalo Group, Lucien Jacobs, had previously emphasized the organization's stated commitment to sustainable journalism, media diversity, and protecting local employment.

In conclusion, ICTU stated that trade unions bear a fundamental responsibility for protecting existing employment, especially given the high level of unemployment in South Africa. The union urged SACTWU and other trade union bodies to engage constructively instead of allowing disagreements to escalate into disputes that could harm workers. ICTU decreed: 'History will judge the trade union movement not only by what it said, but by what it did when workers needed protection.' The union pledged to continue advocating for workers and challenging any actions that threaten their livelihoods.

As part of Women's Month, the Institute of Municipal Engineering of South Africa (IMESA) highlights the successes of women engineers who have led infrastructure development projects across the country, while also encouraging more young women to enter the profession.

Three engineers—Mpho Plaatjie, Roxanne Kenny, and Princess Kabala Muke—shared their stories in honor of Women's Month. They focused not on obstacles but on opportunities, motivating the next generation of young women to view engineering as a field where they can implement innovations, demonstrate leadership, and participate in shaping the future of South Africa.

Founded in 1961, IMESA states that it has never implemented formal gender policies, focusing instead on creating a professional environment for municipal engineers based on technical excellence, ethics, and public service. Today, over 30% of the organization's members are women, many of whom hold leadership positions.

Leaders in Municipal Engineering

Among these leaders are Roxanne Kenny, Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal branch; Princess Kabala Muke, Chairperson of the Western Cape branch; and Mpho Plaatjie, Chairperson of the Free State and Northern Cape branches. Instead of emphasizing difficulties, these three engineers use Women's Month to showcase the opportunities available in municipal engineering and encourage students, graduates, and young professionals to consider a career that contributes to providing vital public infrastructure.

Mpho Plaatjie, a civil engineer and project manager at the Mangaung municipality, shared that her interest in engineering arose in childhood after living in a community without running water. She was inspired by watching technicians install a tap in her family's home, which prompted her to choose a career aimed at improving access to clean water for other communities.

Roxanne Kenny, a registered civil engineer specializing in water supply design and an acting area manager at the eThekwini municipality, reported that her mother, who was a draftsman, inspired her before she discovered her passion for hydraulic engineering. After starting her career in consulting, she noted that working for the local government allowed her to oversee projects from the design stage through to implementation, strengthening her commitment to municipal engineering.

Princess Kabala Muke, an acting manager in the waste management department of the City of Cape Town, shared that life in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, showed her how infrastructure directly impacts people's quality of life. She emphasized that engineering is not just a technical discipline but also a powerful tool for economic development, nation-building, and social transformation.

These three engineers believe that the profession has become increasingly inclusive as more women lead technical teams, manage infrastructure programs, and occupy executive roles. However, Plaatjie stated that municipalities must continue to strengthen internship programs for graduates and expand scholarship opportunities to attract more young engineers.

Kenny noted that diversity has enriched the engineering profession by bringing different perspectives, while Kabala Muke stressed the importance of creating workplaces where women can be empowered to lead, innovate, and influence strategic decisions. The engineers also highlighted the value of professional organizations like IMESA, noting that mentorship, networking, and leadership development are essential to support women throughout their careers.

Kenny, who co-founded the IMESA Young Professionals Portfolio (YP²), said that this initiative created additional opportunities for students and early-career engineers. This program was later expanded to the Western Cape under Kabala Muke's leadership. Their message to young women considering engineering is simple: they belong in this profession and can play a significant role in shaping the future of South Africa by providing vital infrastructure and public services.

In July 2026, under the new program for developed India—Guarantee of Employment and Livelihood in Rural Areas (VB-G RAM G)—7.67 billion man-days of employment were registered. This figure is significantly lower than the 15.33 billion man-days recorded in July of last year under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS).

According to official statistics, this signifies a decline in rural job creation of approximately 49.94% year-on-year. This fact is significant because the VB-G RAM G program was implemented on July 1, 2026, replacing the MGNREGS program, which had been in effect for about two decades.

The government presented the new program as an enhanced version of the rural employment system, providing for an increase in the employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days. The first full month of operation for VB-G RAM G was July, and the man-day figures for this period reflect the initial dynamics of the program.

The government had previously stated in parliament a positive outlook on the program's initial performance in July. In a written reply, the government reported that over 99.5% of workers who requested work received it. According to the government, more than 5.2 billion man-days were registered under VB-G RAM G by July 22. The Ministry of Rural Development also asserted that the transition to the new program had not negatively impacted its implementation.

However, the final data for July shows a picture different from the initial claims. After reaching a figure of over 5.2 billion man-days by July 22, the total figure for the entire month was 7.67 billion. This indicates that the pace of job creation slowed down in the second half of the month. Although the government has not yet provided detailed reasons for such a sharp drop in man-days in July.

The government presents VB-G RAM G as a more comprehensive and qualitative rural employment program compared to MGNREGS. The new system provides for an expansion of the employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on higher wages, construction of sustainable rural infrastructure, and strengthening the livelihoods of rural households. The government asserts that the program's goal is not only to provide work but also to strengthen the rural economy and earning potential.

For the fiscal year 2025-26, an annual budget of 1.52 lakh crore rupees has been allocated for VB-G RAM G, which significantly exceeds the budgetary allocation of 86,000 crore rupees provided for MGNREGS. Despite this greater financial provision for the new program, the 50% drop in man-days in July casts doubt on the program's initial momentum.

It is currently unclear whether the drop in man-days is related to changes in the new program or if it reflects an inherently weak demand and availability of jobs in rural areas. The government has also not disclosed the detailed reasons for this decline. Therefore, the data from future months will be crucial. They will show whether the drop in July was solely due to the transition from the old to the new program, or if it will have a long-term impact on rural job creation under VB-G RAM G.