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IOL News
13 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Economic abuse: The most common yet overlooked form of gender-based violence in South Africa
Economic abuse is emerging as the most common and insidious form of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, yet many women do not recognise it as abuse.. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Economic abuse is emerging as the most common and insidious form of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, yet many women do not recognise it as abuse. This was one of the central findings of the Human Sciences Research Council's (HSRC) First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study. It was released at the end of 2024. According to a recent HSRC article based on a webinar, one in eight women over the age of 18 have experienced economic abuse, which includes the unreasonable deprivation of money or resources that a woman is legally entitled to or needs to survive. In the webinar, Ncumisa Yazo, a social worker from Mosaic, said economic abuse is the most frequent form of violence she encounters among survivors. 'Most of the cases are intimate partner cases,' she said. 'This includes the unreasonable deprivation of economic or financial resources.' The HSRC report links economic violence to other forms of abuse, showing how power and control are reinforced through financial dependency. The study found that more than 50% of women had experienced controlling behaviour from a partner, including restrictions on work, movement, and access to finances. Women with disabilities are especially vulnerable to this kind of abuse. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The data shows that 16.3% of women with disabilities had experienced economic abuse, compared to 12.8% of those without disabilities. Many are financially dependent on caregivers who exploit their disability grants and limit their ability to access support or escape abuse. Older women are another group heavily impacted by economic violence. According to a study by Ikamva Labantu, older women in townships face financial exploitation by relatives, often in multigenerational homes. 'The highest risk for abuse was in families where children or grandchildren abused substances,' said Lulama Sigasana, the organisation's Older Persons Programme Manager in the webinar. She said many older women are forced to care for grandchildren while being deprived of their pensions or income by abusive family members. Abuse is often accompanied by neglect, accusations of witchcraft, and in some cases, incestuous rape. THE MERCURY
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Salary increase season - what's realistic and what's not in 2025
Employers' ability to increase salaries is influenced by several factors, including national and global economic growth prospects, company performance and affordability, as well as skills market trends. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives For many South Africans that are formally employed in both the government and private sectors, mid-year marks a pivotal time for mid-year salary reviews and potential raises. It is a time brimming with anticipation and hope, as employees look forward to some financial relief for their hard work and dedication. However, the economic landscape is a complex and ever-shifting terrain. 'Whilst the inflation outlook has improved over the last few months with CPI averaging 3.0% as at April 2025, there's a lot happening both locally and globally that impacts employers' ability to meet everyone's salary increase expectations,' Lindiwe Sebesho, Master Reward Specialist and Executive Committee Member at the South African Reward Association (SARA) said. She advised that employees manage their expectations by understanding the economic factors at play. This understanding can lead to more constructive and better-informed salary conversations, ultimately fostering a healthier employer-employee relations environment focused on driving much needed productivity for the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Know the factors at play Employers' ability to increase salaries is influenced by several factors, including national and global economic growth prospects, company performance and affordability, as well as skills market trends. Inflation is expected to remain moderate and within the South African Reserve Bank's 3-6% target range through 2025/26. However, even with recent cuts, interest rates remain high, making debt expensive for individuals and organisations alike, and leaving both employees and employers under financial strain. While we dodged the VAT bullet, the increase to the fuel levy will still hit everyone hard, from individual motorists to company and public service fleets. This cost might be offset by expectations of lower fuel prices but will still have an adverse impact on expenses. Additionally, rising food costs due to droughts and other climatic factors will put further pressure on budgets. Employers will also be hampered by weaker GDP growth than previously predicted, as well as global economic instability fuelled by US President Trump's on-again-off-again tariffs. Tariffs on South Africa's trading partners could create unwelcome local inflation, making organisations wary of committing to higher labour costs. "Considering the present economic circumstances, a balanced approach to salary adjustments is required. The intention is not to undervalue employees but to explore comprehensive strategies for improving the overall employee value proposition in a manner that ensures business sustainability and job security," Sebesho added. Given these facts, you may need more information to optimise your remuneration package beyond just a salary increase. Take a positive approach Despite economic pressures, you can improve your odds by taking some simple steps, such as: Know your job's worth - There are many sources of salary information so you can decide if you are being paid fairly, but make sure you use authoritative information from recognised experts, along with considering remuneration policy information from your employer. - There are many sources of information so you can decide if you are being paid fairly, but make sure you use authoritative information from recognised experts, along with considering remuneration policy information from your employer. Be understanding - If you do your homework and understand your employer's constraints, you can approach your salary increase conversation more rationally and constructively, which could help you win a more positive outcome that also helps you retain your job in the long term. - If you do your homework and understand your employer's constraints, you can approach your conversation more rationally and constructively, which could help you win a more positive outcome that also helps you retain your job in the long term. Show your value - Salary increases are typically based on performance, so now is the time to demonstrate how well you have done personally and your contribution to the organisation's goals – this might help you get a bit more than you expected. - increases are typically based on performance, so now is the time to demonstrate how well you have done personally and your contribution to the organisation's goals – this might help you get a bit more than you expected. See the big picture - Remuneration isn't just about money but includes benefits and other rewards as well, so review your entire remuneration package and ask about non-monetary or money-saving benefits, including how you can flex your retirement benefits to help offset any immediate financial shortfall without compromising your long-term savings goals. Keep it real and respectful While you may be desperate for, expecting or even demanding an above-inflation increase, it is important to be realistic and, especially, respectful during a salary increase conversation. Employers are also strapped due to economic conditions and understanding their limitations without over-comprising yourself will be appreciated. Sebesho said, "It is essential to expect fair and equitable pay that allows you to participate effectively in the economy. However, understanding both perspectives is crucial for balanced salary adjustment negotiations that ultimately safeguard employment."
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
KZN NPOs face uncertainty as Social Development department alters subsidy payment schedule
KZN NPOs are concerned by a recent change in the subsidy payment schedule announced by the Department of Social Development. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Non-profit organisations (NPOs) in KwaZulu-Natal are fearful that their work could be in jeopardy after the provincial Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal warned them of a change to the payment schedule for their subsidies. The NPOs said they were concerned that the payment change might result in them not receiving payments on time, or at all which would have a catastrophic impact on their ability to provide social services to the needy and vulnerable. The Mercury has seen the letter from the Social Development department informing NPOs of the change and also spoke to representatives of two NPOs who received it. The NPOs did not want to be named for fear of reprisal. The letter, dated June 22, stated that part of the department's budget has been reallocated by the Provincial Treasury to pay outstanding bills of the Department of Education. This decision comes as the department faced a strike by teachers due to delays in payments for norms and standards. About R900 million has been reallocated from other departments and given to the education department. As a result, the social development department will be paying NPO subsidies using a monthly payment system and not the tranche system it adopted in 2023. According to the NPOs, the tranche system allows the department to pay every three months. The NPOs stated that even this system was not working well, as there were sometimes delays in payment, and they now feared that the issue will worsen. The letter from the Head of Department (HOD) said it was "regrettable that the department cannot continue with this (tranche) system, and we are forced to revert to monthly subsidy payments". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'This arrangement will reduce the amount of cash available to the department on a monthly basis, and the payment of tranches, monthly subsidies, and invoices will be affected." The department's letter stated it will continue to provide timely payments to NPOs, but the amount of money available is unknown and will be determined by the provincial treasury. One NPO representative said, 'The greatest fear for the NPOs is that they might not get paid at all. In the letter they sent us, there is no indication of when an NPO can expect to get paid. When they implemented the tranche system, they said it was important to use it because that way they could manage their expenses due to cash flow problems. Now they want to go back to the month-to-month system for the very same reason.' Another representative spoke of the devastating impact this could have on operations: 'The workers in this sector are not paid as well as government workers. There are already instances in the NPO sector where workers are paid half their salaries or paid late. This means that some of these workers will not arrive for work because they do not have transport money or cannot pay someone to look after their children, so there is a serious impact on this.' DA member in the Social Development Committee, Shontel De Boer, said they were informed in a meeting that the department wanted to revert to monthly payments, but no resolution had been taken about it. The department confirmed that it had sent the letter to NPOs. Asked whether there is a risk that NPOs might not get paid, it said, 'That will depend on the amount that will be taken to assist Education. The amount is not yet known. Provincial Treasury to determine.' THE MERCURY
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Grant recipients face frustrating challenges with SASSA's in-person verification process
Portfolio Committee chairperson Bridget Masango said social grant recipients, especially in rural areas, are facing significant challenges due to SASSA's new in-person verification process. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The in-person verification process that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has implemented is frustrating social grant recipients, particularly those in rural areas. This is according to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango who said the stringent new conditions imposed by National Treasury on SASSA's 2025/26 budget were having severe consequences for millions of vulnerable South Africans. 'Today, we address an issue that affects nearly half of our population,' said Masango, referring to conditions that include biometric authentication for flagged beneficiaries, cross-verification with SARS and other state databases, and quarterly reporting of suspended or cancelled grants. 'Treasury argues these steps are essential to combat fraud and ensure value for money, and failure to comply by SASSA may result in grant funding being withheld, a deeply concerning possibility for millions who rely on this support,' she said. Masango said while the committee supports fraud prevention, the current approach is causing 'delays, confusion, and deep distress among beneficiaries.' 'The requirement for in-person verification is disproportionately disadvantaging rural communities and elderly caregivers who simply cannot afford to travel. Transport costs can reach up to R150 or more per trip, an unaffordable amount for some beneficiaries,' she added. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Masango said the committee has been 'flooded with WhatsApp messages, SMSs, calls and emails from desperate individuals and organisations that represent communities, who are unable to verify themselves. People are being excluded from the system and all of this, as far as we can see, is in the name of saving money.' Although SASSA defended the verification process as necessary to prevent fraud and ensure accurate targeting, Masango cautioned that 'it cannot happen without balancing accessibility with fairness.' To improve oversight, she said: 'SASSA will now submit quarterly reports directly to the committee, in addition to National Treasury.' She welcomed the R1.6 billion increase in grant funding for above-inflation increases and noted efforts to combat fraud, including biometric rollouts, self-service kiosks, and digital upgrades. However, she stressed: 'No cost-saving measure should come at the expense of basic dignity or leave the poor out in the cold.' Masango also raised concerns about the growing substance abuse crisis, particularly the underfunding of the Central Drug Authority (CDA). 'How can the CDA fight a national war with no weapons? No money, no independence, no enforcement authority and still be expected to lead the charge?' Calling the CDA 'unfit for purpose,' Masango urged the Department of Social Development to amend the Substance Abuse Act. 'Substance abuse must now be treated with the same urgency as gender-based violence, as both are destroying lives, families, and the nation's social fabric,' she said. THE MERCURY
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Legal battle brews between KwaZulu-Natal premier and former director-general over resignation retraction
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has been given seven days to say whether he will retract his director-general's resignation. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives A legal storm is brewing between KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and former director-general, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, over her reinstatement after her resignation. Mkhize resigned with immediate effect earlier this month; however, five days later, she retracted her resignation, arguing that she was under duress because of the incident of alleged intimidation by a youth director in the Office of the Premier, whom she claimed had threatened her. However, Ntuli argued that since he had already accepted the resignation, in terms of the Public Service Act, she cannot retract the letter and could only reapply when the position is advertised. Mkhize disagrees with this interpretation, and her lawyers have sent the premier a letter of demand. In the letter that was seen by Independent Media and confirmed by the Premier's Office, Mkhize's attorneys demand that the premier respond to the retraction letter from their client. 'Our instructions are to request the acknowledgement of the receipt of our client's retraction letter of resignation and also respond within seven days,' read the letter. In the letter of retraction, Dr Mkhize cited the incident between her and the youth director as a reason for her resignation. She said the letter was sent after being traumatised by the event that took place, which she described as insolent and unlawful conduct by the youth director. 'I was left severely traumatised by the incident. The matter has been taken under consideration, and I have since the incident received professional psychological counselling. Having filed a criminal case and recorded the incident for the honourable Premier's consideration, I am now feeling more confident of my safety; therefore, wish to retract the resignation letter and continue with dedicated years of service to the public. I request the honourable Premier to accept the withdrawal of the resignation,' read the letter. The premier's spokesperson, Bongani Gina, said the letter from Dr Mkhize's attorneys is under review. According to legal expert Advocate Bo Dlamini, the premier has no legal standing in the matter, and Dr Mkhize was legally entitled to rescind her resignation letter because she filed it in response to purported threats of violence. 'Now that it looks like there was a threat to her life when she submitted the letter of resignation, the employer is bound to accept the retraction since she resigned under duress. If the matter goes to court, chances are that she will win,' said Advocate Dlamini. In a statement, Ntuli announced that his office is investigating the matter even though Youth Director Melusi Ndima has resigned. He dismissed the insinuation that he did nothing to act against the allegations, which were described as having elements of gender-based violence, saying the investigation was instituted immediately after it was reported to him. [email protected]
