MAIN STORY There is hope for the metal industry – Solidarity By Inge Strydom

Trade union Solidarity this week said there is hope for the ailing metal industry. The union believes that although a long road to recovery still lies ahead, role-players have lately achieved numerous positive developments in the industry.

Marius Croucamp, Head of the Metal Industry at Solidarity, says although ArcelorMittal yesterday announced that it could possibly retrench as many as 400 workers at its Vereeniging Mill, it is encouraging that the entire Vereeniging Mill will not be closed.

“Initially, the entire mill would have closed which would have led to a loss of 1 200 jobs. We believe talks between role-players, trade unions and the companies during the past few weeks contributed to the fact that operations at the Vereeniging Mill can continue. We will nevertheless continue to discuss possible alternatives to the said retrenchments with the company,” Croucamp said.

Croucamp is of the opinion that the undertaking by Safal Steel not to retrench any workers in the next three years in its metal coating division is a further positive development, while ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) undertook to safeguard its colour line against any retrenchments for the next three years. In addition, Safal Steel indicated that it would invest around R300 million in its metal coating division, while Amsa undertook to invest R250 million in its colour line.

“Companies are trying very hard to deal with the situation and are pulling out all stops to save jobs. It is already a step in the right direction when role-players in the industry all realise the seriousness of the situation,” Croucamp said.

Croucamp, however, cautions that the metal industry is not out of danger and that thousands of jobs are still in jeopardy. “In the weeks to come Solidarity will continue to have serious talks with companies where retrenchment processes are currently under way to discuss alternatives to retrenchment,” Croucamp added.

STORY 1 Keep black and white out of the green and gold – Solidarity By Inge Strydom

Trade union Solidarity said this week that politics do not belong in rugby. This follows after several pressure groups, during this time leading up to the 2015 World Cup, objected to the so-called lack of transformation in rugby.

The latest objection came in the shape of a recent application for an urgent interdict filed by an outsider political party, the Agency for New Agenda (ANA). In the court application, the party requests the International Rugby Union (IRU) to ban the Springboks from participating in the 2015 World Cup because of a lack of transformation.

Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive of Solidarity, believes that there is no room for politics in national sport. “South Africans should now stand firmly behind the Springboks and not get involved in infighting about transformation. We believe that rugby players should not be chosen for the Springbok team based on their race; their selection should be based on their ability to bring the World Cup home,” Hermann explained. During this time leading up to the kick-off of the World Cup on 18 September, the Solidarity Movement will show its support for the Springboks through a social media campaign with the theme “Solidarity supports the Boks”.

Hermann encouraged the public to support the campaign. “We think the answer to the debate is simple – keep white and black out of the green and gold. The issue, therefore, should not be about whether a player is white or black; it should rather be about whether he is gold or not,” Hermann said.

STORY 2 Solidarity signs plan to limit retrenchments in the mining sector

Trade union Solidarity this week became a signatory of a comprehensive plan to avert the retrenchment crisis in the mining sector. The trade union, however, believes that the plan as such would not prevent retrenchments in the industry but that the commitment of the signatories to it, and its successful implementation would be decisive.

The plan comes as a result of a meeting of industry leaders earlier this month to address growing job losses in the industry. The plan was signed by all industry players except by Amcu. Signatories include trade unions, government and the Chamber of Mines.

Solidarity General Secretary Gideon du Plessis is of the opinion that the drafting of the plan accomplished co-operation and dialogue among the various role-players. “This stands in stark contrast with the Chamber of Mines’ ill-disposed actions during this year’s gold sector negotiations. Solidarity had accepted its offer precisely to avoid conflict with the Chamber, after which the Chamber declared a dispute with us. We therefore find it surprising that the Chamber today again emphasised that it wanted to join hands with all players and conclude partnerships while it rejected the hand Solidarity reached to it,” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis expressed concern about Amcu’s refusal to sign the plan. “Amcu missed a golden opportunity to commit itself symbolically to the sustainability of the mining industry and to establish itself as a responsible player. It is now key for the mining industry that all stakeholders should work together to find solutions to the many challenges the industry faces,” Du Plessis said.

The plan comprises ten points of action signatories commit themselves to:

1. Delaying the implementation of retrenchments; 2. Enhancing productivity and managing cost pressures; 3. Accelerated concurrent rehabilitation activities to create alternative jobs for mineworkers; 4. Facilitating the sale of distressed and other mining assets; 5. Other alternatives to avoid job losses; 6. Support for mineworkers in the event that job losses cannot be avoided; 7. Utilisation of the Multi National Companies’ Procurement Levy to also support employment opportunities for retrenched mineworkers; 8. Streamlining the processes for downscaling, updating the database and exploring fiscal instruments; 9. Investment promotion and market development; 10. The implementation of a communication plan to ensure responsible communication when possible retrenchments are involved.

STORY 3 How to ask for a raise – and making sure you get it! By Elmien Ackerman To ask for a raise can be nerve-wracking, even when you know you deserve it. The probability that your manager will agree to a raise just like that, is very slim. No-one will spend more money than they have to.

Hand and money staircase isolated on whiteFollowing are some tips on how to ask for a raise:

Before you ask

Do research. Find out what other employees in your position earn. Visit the website www.mywage.co.za. This website was created for South Africans for them to establish how their salaries compare to those of other employees in the same position. This enables you to give your employer examples of what other employees in your post earn.

Investigate how replaceable you are and whether it would be easy for your employer to appoint someone else in your post at your current salary. If you have a lot of experience or possibly possess rare skills, your manager will be more susceptible to offering you a raise to keep you in your post.

Look at your working conditions objectively. All of us would like to earn more, but make sure you can justify your request. Have you performed well in your post and done more than the minimum expected of you? If so, make a list of your achievements. This will work in your favour.

How to ask

Make an appointment with your manager and make sure you are in possession of all your facts.

Choose the right time to ask for a raise. If your manager is under a lot of pressure or the company is not doing well financially, it may not be the right time to ask for a raise. Should the company be doing well and you have performed very well during the past month, your timing is perfect. Your achievements will be fresh in your manager’s mind.

Believe that you deserve the raise. Your demeanour plays an important role in whether or not you get the raise. Ask with self-confidence. If you yourself don’t believe that you deserve the raise, neither will your manager.

Justify your request with all the facts and information that you gathered during your research. If you have compared your salary with those of other employees in the same industry and you are earning significantly less, it’s a good starting point in your discussion with your employer.

What to avoid

Don’t ask for a raise if you don’t really deserve it. It won’t impress your manager and will spoil your future chances of a raise.

The reason why you ask for a raise must purely be because you deserve it. Don’t burden your manager with your personal problems or debts that have to be paid.

Should your manager turn down your request for a raise, don’t get emotional and threaten to resign. This would appear unprofessional. Rather ask him or her for practical tips so that you know what goals you have to reach to be considered for a raise. If you do your research, assemble your facts and ask for a raise with self-confidence, the chances are good that you might see a bit of extra cash in your bank balance next month.

STORY 4 Why pre-paid electricity is more expensive By Eugene Brink

Pre-paid electricity definitely is more expensive than electricity provided by the municipality – even if consumers think it’s the other way around.

This is according to Charmaine Kupfer, manager of Genlet Properties, who handles the management of sectional title complexes on the West Rand. “There is a perception among consumers that pre-paid electricity is cheaper than electricity supplied by the municipality. I think consumers of pre-paid electricity are more attentive to how much electricity they use and are more aware of saving electricity to prevent their electricity from being used up.”

She says the reason why pre-paid electricity is more expensive, is that it is sold to the consumer at the highest tariff. “Just as in the case of the municipality who buys electricity from Eskom, the middle man buys electricity from Eskom and then sells it to the consumer at the highest tariff approved by the National Energy Regulator (Nersa).”

However, according to Kupfer it is fairly easy to circumvent pre-paid appliances. “Private individuals and municipal employees can against a fee circumvent the pre-paid appliances installed by the municipality. This is an illegal practice that places further pressure on an overloaded system and strengthens the misconception that pre-paid electricity is cheaper.”

And how does reading electricity differ in homes and complexes? ”The power connection in most residential units, whether in a complex or a detached house, is 60 Ampere. Factors that do play a role in consumption in private homes, are, for example, swimming pools, two or more geysers and more rooms,” she says.

STORY 5 Spring is here! How to become more active By Tertia Putter

September is the best month for waking up to summer, which is just around the corner!

All of us can’t wait to get out of the hibernation season. One of the biggest stumbling blocks during the winter months is the drastic decline in activity levels. I want to invite you to become more active – especially at work. The following are some ideas on how to get going, whether it be at play or at work:

Drink enough water through the day so that you have to walk to the bathroom frequently. Set your cell phone/computer to remind you to get up and move around every 25 minutes. Try getting into the habit of standing up every hour and do 60 jumping jacks.

When answering your phone, do it standing up. Sit down only after the conversation has come to an end.

Make sure that you walk around during your lunch break. Then don’t just sit down again. Choose another route back to your office. Decrease the time you sit and watch TV in the evenings. When you do watch, get up and move around during ad breaks.

When in a meeting, rather stand behind your chair and listen. Even better is to start walking meetings at your work!

Be grateful for tasks after hours, e.g. cleaning the house, watering the garden or taking the dogs for a walk. All these activities help you to get rid of the day’s stress and boost your activity levels.

Now that summer is on the way, try to be active for 30 minutes when you get home. Get a walking partner (children/spouse/dog/friend) and enjoy that spring feeling!

STORY 6 Niks hierdie week 

AfriForum Western Cape SAPS allows anarchy to reign at Elsenburg By Mariska Batt

AfriForum will be consulting with their legal team today to bring an application against the SAPS in court. This follows after the violent protest by members of the EFF and a small group of students at the Elsenburg Agricultural College. During the protest non-protesting students were assaulted with whips.

“The Police were at the scene, but failed to enforce law and order. Nothing was done to protect the campus or non-protesting students. By merely standing by and watching violent riots escalate and continue, the SAPS is allowing anarchy to reign on campus,” says Ian Cameron, Head of Community Safety for AfriForum.

“Elsenburg’s security and the SAPS are not even competent to stop and control a small group of protesters. Should the SAPS again fail to act, we will approach AfriForum’s safety structures to protect the campus and the students. The SAPS’s incompetence is once again proof that communities have to take action themselves.”

Cameron further says that the silence of Mr Marius Paulse, Head of the College, is an indication that he supports the ideals of the EFF.

HELPENDE HAND Evidence: Beggars are addicts

Beggars at traffic lights and other public places are mostly drug addicts who buy drugs with the money they get from the public. This shocking conclusion is based on recent research done among beggars by Solidarity Helping Hand. Based on this study, Helping Hand is convinced that donations should rather be made to reputable institutions that focus on poverty relief. This organisation discourages people to give money to beggars at traffic lights. As part of Helping Hand’s #geeREG campaign, the experienced journalist De Wet Potgieter conducted interviews with beggars to determine whether the donations have improved their lives.

He talked to several beggars on the street as well as to beggars at the Moeggesukkel Rehabilitation Centre in Pretoria. Potgieter found that the money given to beggars is mostly used to support their addiction and not to pay for housing, clothes or even food. The beggars’ stories confirmed that the majority of them were struggling with addiction.

“If I tell you that 90% of them are addicted to drugs then I’m not exaggerating. Possibly even more. And they get all their money by begging. When you’re on drugs you don’t have any appetite. That is why the guys become so thin. They don’t eat,” one of the beggars said. According to Nicolien Welthagen, senior researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute, it is impossible for the public to discern whether someone is an addict or not. Neither can they know who will use the money to buy food and who will use it for drugs.

“To provide food is not an option because it is easy to sell food and the money is then spent on drugs.”

Beggars are part of society and a solution must be found for the growing problem. The study also indicated that the majority of addicts want help to overcome their addiction but they need specialised help to do so.

Based on the study, Helping Hand believes that donations to reputable institutions are more helpful to beggars and addicts than money given to beggars at traffic lights. These institutions are able to make a lasting difference.

If you need more information on the #geeREG campaign, please contact Isabel Faurie, social worker at Helping Hand, on 012 644 4390 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. The public may contact us for referrals to institutions in their area.

RUBRIEKE: BEDDRYFSBROKKIES Koeberg unit 2 shut down for maintenance

Koeberg unit 2 is due for a scheduled refuelling and maintenance check, which means it will be shut down from Monday, 31 August; the unit should be returned to service by mid- December.

According to Engineering News, the scheduled shutdown of this unit is part of Eskom’s overall power station maintenance programme. Every 14 to 18 months, each of the two units at Koeberg is shut down for refuelling, inspection and maintenance.

"The routine shutdowns are scheduled so as to avoid having both units out of service at the same time and to avoid the winter months," Eskom said in a statement. During these routine planned outages, one third of the used nuclear fuel is replaced with new fuel. Statutory inspections and maintenance are performed, and modifications, to ensure that international safety standards continue to be met, or that would improve the plant’s performance, are implemented.

Koeberg unit 2 has been on stream without any interruption since its last refuelling outage in May 2014. Moreover, Koeberg unit 1 is currently operating optimally and is contributing 930 MW to the national grid. "Medupi unit 6, which became fully operational last week, together with other units in Eskom’s fleet of 27 power stations, will continue to be used to meet the country’s electricity needs," Eskom added.

Eskom called on all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly in order to reduce the risk of load shedding. MY WORK How to stay positive in the workplace By Francois Redelinghuys

In South Africa it is not always easy to stay positive amidst the growing economic crisis, Eskom’s struggle to provide electricity in a sustainable way, corruption and cadre deployment. However, it is of great value to your career if you try to stay positive. Here are five suggestions to help you stay positive:

1) Keep on learning Because you are not at school or university anymore, it does not mean you have to stop learning. To learn while you work is an excellent way to build your CV. You are also advised to find out more about your colleagues’ work in order to learn what their jobs entail.

2) Take a break Although you are expected to work for eight hours every day and be productive, it is not possible. It is impossible to concentrate continuously for eight hours. Take short breaks to renew your thoughts and to restore your physical energy.

3) Leave the work at work It is important to take time for yourself and to spend time with your family. When the working day ends, forget about work until the next day. If not, you never switch off and you will become stuck in a bad cycle in which your thoughts always return to work matters.

4) Build relationships with colleagues Your work environment will be much more interesting and fun if you have good relationships with your colleagues. It is not necessary to know every little detail of their lives, but good relationships will make your work place more comfortable.

5) Use your imagination Do not limit yourself to normal business practices, but use your imagination. A creative touch is useful when tackling projects and presentations.

MY HEALTH 7 reasons why babies cry & how to soothe them

Your baby is fully dependent on you. You provide her with the food, warmth and comfort that she needs. When she cries, it is her way of communicating any or all of those needs and ensuring a response from you.

Here are some reasons why your baby may cry, and what you can try to soothe her:

She is hungry

Hunger is one of the most common reasons why your baby will cry, especially if she is a newborn. Your baby's stomach is small and cannot hold very much, so it will not take long before it empties. If you are breastfeeding, offer her your breast, even if her last feed does not seem that long ago. This is called feeding on demand.

If you are formula-feeding, your baby may not need more milk for at least two hours after her last feed. If your baby is consistently not finishing her feeds, she may prefer to drink less formula more often. In this case, try offering her another feed sooner.

She feels like crying If your baby is not yet four months old, she may cry more in the late afternoons and evenings. This is normal, and it does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with her.

Persistent crying in an otherwise healthy baby is called colic. Your baby may become flushed and frustrated, and refuse your efforts to comfort her. She may clench her fists, draw up her knees, or arch her back. Living with a baby who regularly cries inconsolably can be very stressful, but there are tactics you can try to help you cope.

She wants to be held

Your baby needs lots of cuddling, physical contact and reassurance to comfort her, so her crying may simply mean that she wants to be held. Swaying and singing to her while you hold her may give her added comfort.

When you hold your baby close she may be soothed by your heartbeat, the warmth of your body and your smell. You could try putting her in a sling to keep her close to you for longer spells.

She is tired and needs a rest

Babies often struggle to go to sleep, particularly if they are over-tired. You will probably become aware of your baby's sleep cues soon after birth. Whining and crying at the slightest thing, staring blankly into space, and being quiet and still are just a few examples.

Lots of attention from doting visitors may over-stimulate your baby and make it difficult for her to sleep. Try taking her to a quiet room before bed to help her calm down and switch off.

She is too cold or too hot

You can check whether your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling her tummy. Do not be guided by the temperature of your baby's hands or feet – it is normal for them to feel cold.

Take care not to overdress your baby, or she may become too hot. She will generally need to wear one more layer of clothing than you to be comfortable.

She needs a new nappy

Your baby may protest if she has a wet nappy. Some babies do not seem to mind unless their skin feels irritated.

If your baby does not like having her nappy changed, it may be because of the strange sensation of cold air on her skin. After a week or so, you will probably be a pro at quick nappy changes. Until then, distracting your baby with a song or a toy she can look at during changes may work well.

She does not feel well

If your baby's unwell, she will probably cry in a different tone from the one you are used to. It may be weaker, more urgent, continuous, or high-pitched. If she becomes unusually quiet, this may also be a sign that she is not well.

Teething may also cause your baby to be more upset than usual. Babies are often irritable and restless in the week before a new tooth erupts. Phone your doctor straight away if your baby cries persistently and has a fever, vomits, or has diarrhoea or constipation.

My baby's still crying: How can I soothe her?

As you gradually get to know your baby's personality you will learn which techniques work best for her. If a cuddle or a feed does not do the job, these suggestions may help:

• Play a constant sound • Rock her while walking around, or put her in a rocking chair or baby swing • Take her for a ride in your car or for a walk in her pushchair • Try a massage or a tummy rub • Try a different feeding position • Let her suck on something • Give her a warm bath

Join HealtPrint's MomMe programme for toddlers!

Join the MomMe programme for toddlers and receive a bag valued at R250, as well as a R100 takealot voucher.

Visit www.medihelp.co.za for more.

Source: www.babycenter.co.uk

ECONOMIC NEWS A diagnosis is not a plan By Paul Joubert

According to a report on Moneyweb, initially titled “The Plan” and later changed to “12 things SA needs to get right”, Elias Masilela, a former member of the National Planning Commission, this week said the Commission came to realise that many South Africans had not read the National Development Plan. He also said the compilers of The Plan had not been doing their thinking somewhere in a corner, but that the process of compiling The Plan had involved all South Africans. How these two statements could be true simultaneously is a mystery, but let’s leave that there.

Masilela also mentioned 12 problems identified in The Plan: things like unemployment, lack of savings/investment, poverty, corruption and poor healthcare. The most of these problems were diagnosed correctly, but why is that such an achievement? Identifying problems such as unemployment, poverty and corruption in South Africa does not call for a commission. It is the response to the diagnosis that counts.

Solidarity warned, as did the Institute for Race Relations, not long after the release of The Plan that contrary to the comments of most analysts (who probably, as pointed out by Masilela, had not read The Plan), that The Plan was not at all the brilliant and market-friendly document it was made out to be, but rather that it propagated increasing state intervention and centralisation. Still, whenever The Plan is recalled from memory now and then, the document is mostly held up as a market-driven solution to the problems it diagnoses.

For the most part, however, The Plan espouses exactly the brand of state policy that has been implemented by government since its release: centralised control, the violation of all forms of proprerty right as well as the “regulation” of all that lives and breathes, with the associated curbing of economic freedom and ingenuity which is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship and progress. The solution to the problem of unemployment is not centralised control; it is the freedom for every person to be able to choose to work. The solution to poverty is not the central collection of tax and property for political “redistribution”; it is the freedom to be able to be entrepreneurial. The solution to corruption is not the extension of the state’s policing powers; it is to lessen state control over aspects of people’s lives and money so that the inevitable corruption will be reduced accordingly.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS By Francois Redelinghuys

Hundreds of refugees arrive in Vienna This week, hundreds of refugees, after being detained at the Hungarian border for several hours, gained access to the Austrian capital, Vienna. After the refugees arrived in Vienna, most of them immediately boarded a train to Germany. The majority of the refugees comes from Syria and Libya and is seeking refuge in Europe. In the past couple of months, the number of refugees who took flight to this continent reached a record total of 107 500.

Obama considers closing Guantanamo President Barack Obama indicated this week that he is strongly considering final closure of the controversial military prison, Guantanamo Bay. According to reports, Obama is determined to close the prison before the end of his term in 2017. There are currently only 116 people in detention versus the 684 in 2003. The prison was established in 2002 by the Bush administration to interrogate dangerous suspects and to, among others, charge them with war crimes.

World-renowned concert pianist murdered The world-renowned concert pianist, Natalia Strelchenko, was attacked and murdered in her home in Manchester this week. Strelchenko died shortly after the police found her. An autopsy showed that she suffered from several head and neck injuries which led to her death. A forty eight year old suspect has already been arrested in connection with the murder.

Knights and Knave By Francois Redelinghuys

Knight This week’s knights are the two editors of the HAT (Handwoordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal). Jana Luther and Fred Pheiffer completed their radical revision of the dictionary, now the sixth edition. This year, Afrikaans celebrated its 90th birthday as a language and the HAT is 50 years old. The latest edition of the HAT contains three times more words than the first edition with the number of words at approximately 2,1 million.

Knave This week’s knave is the unknown peripheral political party, Agency for New Agenda (ANA), who took both the Minister for Sport, Fikile Mbalula and the South African Rugby Union (Saru) to court on the alleged lack of transformation in the Springbok rugby team. The party wants the court to order the players and officials to hand over their passports and to withdraw the Springboks from this year’s Rugby World Cup.

LEGAL QUESTION Service terminated due to pregnancy By Johan Roos

Question I’m pregnant and my employer wants to terminate my services because of my pregnancy. Is this permissible?

Answer In terms of section 187(1)(e) of the Labour Relations Act any dismissal associated with pregnancy is automatically also an unfair dismissal. No restriction is placed on the protection that has to be afforded to pregnant women either.

An employer is obliged to protect his employee under section 26(1) of the Basic Conditions of Service Act, as well as in terms of the Code of Good Practice included in the Act. In terms of section 25(6)(a) and (b) of the Basic Conditions of Service Act an employee must disclose her pregnancy to the employer at least four weeks before she intends to go on maternity leave. Therefore, the employer must only take steps to protect her once she has disclosed her pregnancy to the employer who must then make alternative arrangements to protect the employee before and after her pregnancy in terms of the Code of Good Practice for pregnant women (as contained in the Basic Conditions of Service Act).

DID YOU KNOW The Chamber of Mines was founded in Johannesburg in 1889 to represent the interests of the mine managers and the fast-growing mining industry in the ZAR.

Source: Pharos se Feitegids. ʼn Kernensiklopedie.

QUOTE You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor. - Aristotle

RUNNING CLUB This is how you can join the Solidarity Running Club

Het jy asseblief die Engels?

You can join the Solidarity Running Club by contacting club chairman Hendrik van der Westhuizen on 082 851 9451 for more information or send an email to [email protected].