For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: July unrest instigators back in court, Transnet and unions declare wage deadlock, strike looms and, Ukraine ambassador to SA will continue her work

July unrest instigators back in court

Logistics was at the forefront of the brief court appearance of 37 accused arrested for being instigators in the July 2021 unrest, in the Durban Magistrate's court today.

48 suspects have been nabbed by the Hawks, only two of the accused made their first appearance in court today.

More arrests are expected, with the Hawks indicating their operation to nab instigators was ongoing.

The matter was postponed to 30 November.

Transnet and unions declare wage deadlock, strike looms

Transnet announced today a deadlock in wage negotiations, with two labour unions raising the prospect of a strike that could further cripple the State-owned logistics company and impact Africa's most advanced economy.

Transnet has been operating below capacity due to the shortage of locomotives, inadequate maintenance, vandalism and theft of its infrastructure, costing miners billions of rand in potential revenue.

In a statement, Transnet said a wage dispute had been formally declared with the South African Transport and Allied workers Union and the United National Transport Union after negotiations which started in May.

Ukraine ambassador to SA will continue her work

Transnet said the unions had rejected its offer of a 1.5% increase on employees' pay, excluding medical and housing allowances.

Ukraine's ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova, will be allowed to function in South Africa despite her very public critique of the country's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.

This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor, who, however, maintains Abravitova's criticisms are "unfortunate". 

Pandor said the ambassador’s comments are most unfortunate, and has certainly assisted relations between her mission and South Africa.

She was speaking before the National Council of Provinces where she said South Africa is more interested in offering a peaceful solution.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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