Sasbo delegates are ready for 2022! - THE SECOND NATIONAL EXECUTIVE CONGRESS SPECIAL ISSUE
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The voice of SASBO, The Finance Union, est. 1916 Vol 43, No 4 Dec/Jan 2022
THE SECOND NATIONAL EXECUTIVE CONGRESS SPECIAL ISSUE
Sasbo delegates are
ready for 2022!
Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 Sasbo News 1
SASBO SELFIES 2 Sasbo News Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 www.sasbo.org.za
PRESIDENT’S
PAGEADDRESS
STRAPS
Sasbo president opens NEC 2021
Sasbo’s president, Moses Lekota, opened the National Executive Congress.
Here is an excerpt of his words:
Since our last National Executive Congress in exposing corruption. The role of the banks
meeting in May 2021, we have lost 55 and our members in monitoring suspicious
members. banking transactions under the Financial
I cannot over-stress the importance of this Intelligence Centre Act is crucial.
meeting. THIRD, the economy is starved of financial
• Workers are facing unprecedented battles. stimulus. The institutions with which we are
• The economy is facing its deepest recession associated play a key role in offering credit.
in one hundred years. And our members play a key role in approv-
• Millions of workers have lost jobs, wages ing credit.
and benefits.
• Tens of thousands of banking and finan- Transformation
cial sector workers are looking to Sasbo Financial sector transformation needs to be
for protection and guidance and for accelerated.
leadership. Yes, there is progress in many areas, e.g.
employment equity in many categories.
There are solutions to our problems… Are we happy with the wage gap in the
COSATU has helped to drive the draft- sector? Moses Lekota, Sasbo President.
ing of the ERRP – the Economic Recovery The CEOs of the big five banks earn on
and Reconstruction Plan - at Nedlac with average more than R15 000 per day yet our massive challenges.
government and business. It contains many bank tellers do not even earn 1% of that. The Can we not as Sasbo initiate a discussion
key progressive areas of interventions. These wage gap widens when we take gender and between ourselves, the banks, the UIF and
include: race into account. government on how we can assist the UIF
• Implementing the COSATU drafted Eskom The Companies Amendment Bill before systems in the 21st century to make sure that
Social Compact to fix Eskom and ensure Cabinet will require banks and other large workers receive their monies timeously and to
reliable and affordable electricity to drive companies to disclose their wage gaps in minimise fraudulent applications?
the economy their annual reports as the beginning of an SASSA has spent over R50 billion providing
• Ramping up local procurement by effort to reduce it. the R350 Covid-19 SRD grant to more than
consumers, workers, businesses and We need to develop campaigns to over- 8 million unemployed people. Yet we are
government to save and create local manu- come this wage gap. witnessing endless queues at the Post Office
facturing jobs by desperate recipients.
• Mobilising financial resources from both Economic and social relief The Loan Guarantee Scheme of R200 billion
the private and public sector to stimulate during the pandemic was a lynchpin of the R500 billion economic
economic growth We need to help the economy to grow and for relief package. Yet only R18 billion of it was
• Rebuilding Transnet and Metro Rail to jobs to be created. dispensed to businesses. BASA has informed
ensure workers and goods can reach their Workers have faced unprecedented pain Nedlac that they are working on a new model.
destinations on time and safely during this pandemic. COSATU has worked Let us as Sasbo engage BASA, the Reserve
• Tackling corruption and rebuilding a cap- closely with government and business at Bank and National Treasury to ensure that
able developing state Nedlac to provide relief to millions of workers this model works, that it is affordable and
We have three key areas where Sasbo is and their families. attractive to companies, that it is an enabler
involved. As a result, more than R60 billion was for emerging and struggling businesses.
THE FIRST is to help buy locally produced released from the UIF to more than 5.5 million
goods - locally produced clothes, food, cars workers helping to ensure that they have food Covid-19 will remain with us
and furniture. on the table. We cannot control the pandemic. But we can
SECOND, we must play a more active role The UIF systems have also experienced control the way we react to it.
Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 Sasbo News 3
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
We are fortunate to have two major These are victories that have improved the approved and ratified the ILO Convention
weapons which have proven to be highly lives of workers, including our members. 190 on violence and harassment.
successful in fighting the pandemic. Convention 190 and Recommendation 206
The first are the non-pharmaceutical So, what are we doing to use are the first international legal standards that
measures, e.g. wearing masks, sanitising these gains to recruit more specifically recognise the right for every-
and social distancing. We have done well finance workers into Sasbo? one to work in a world of work free from
as banking workers. What I have just told you is evidence that violence and harassment, including gender-
The second is vaccinating. There has Sasbo does not only make a positive dif- based violence.
been great progress since the beginning of ference to the lives of its members, but that Can we please have active campaigns
the year. it also plays a key role in influencing the against sexual harassment in the workplace?
We need to engage and encourage finance sector and the society at large.
our branches and every single member The Financial Sector Amendment Bill is Another important matter
on the need to vaccinate, our families currently before Parliament. It will help At our last Congress in May, I announced the
included. protect workers and depositors from reckless formation of Sasbo’s Youth Forum later that
and sometimes criminal behaviour. It will month.
We need to help rebuild require that depositor insurance funds be According to the best-informed futurists,
government established to ensure workers and deposit- OUR problems are peanuts compared to
The President, Cyril Ramaphosa, is doing ors receive protection from the collapse of a the challenges that today’s young finance
well on many fronts. He has taken bold bank. workers will experience before they reach
steps to tackle corruption, including We are waiting for the Conduct of retirement age.
removing compromised Ministers and Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill at Nedlac Theirs is likely to be a future with:
the Secretary General of the ANC. Billions which will provide for further protection • More pandemics
are being returned to Eskom. Officials are for workers and depositors from reckless • Increased automation
being charged. behaviour. • Financial collapses
Let us as Sasbo help accelerate this COSATU has tabled proposals at Nedlac • Internet-fuelled social revolutions
campaign. We have engaged government on how to further strengthen our labour • Global warming and other environmental
at Nedlac to demand that: laws. These include: hazards
• The ban on doing business with the • Increased retrenchments payments • The tensions resulting from an over-
State be extended to the leadership • Making retrenchments a point of last resort crowded, underfed planet
of political parties and to the spouses • Ensuring that atypical workers are Were that not enough, they are likely to have
and children of politically influential registered with and protected by the UIF to:
persons. and the Compensation of Injury on Duty • Support parents who live to be 100
• A single, transparent online public Fund. • Support themselves for about 30 years after
procurement system be established for Once implemented, these labour laws will their own retirement age, craving social sup-
the entire state and provided for in the help protect our members. port that the country can no longer afford.
long-delayed Public Procurement Bill. Facing a future as grave as that, were you a
• SARS be further resourced to undertake An evolving labour market young finance worker, what would you prefer:
compulsory lifestyle audits of politi- Covid-19 has accelerated the evolution of the • To be represented by people like us who
cians, senior management and supply labour market. Many workers have moved to are not going to be around to suffer the con-
chain officials across the State. virtual work, especially in our sector. sequences of our actions, or
• The NPA, SAPS and Courts be capacit- Automation will replace many of our • To band together to use Sasbo’s muscle to
ated to tackle corruption. members’ jobs. But equally making financial help shape our future?
services accessible to people living in places The answer to that question is a no brainer.
Advancing workers’ rights in law like Kondeni or Prieska will also open IT Comrades, this is the message that we must
Comrades we have won many victories opportunities. get across to our younger colleagues.
for workers in Parliament over the years. Our Deputy General Secretary, Comrade
These include our progressive labour laws Ben Venter, represents us on the Presidential Concluding…
that protect collective bargaining and the Commission on the 4IR. Comrades allow me to conclude here.
right to unionise and strike; they include We need to engage the employers to • The challenges facing our members and
the limit on working hours or what we re-skill and re-deploy those whose jobs are their families are immense.
term the right to disconnect and paid time at risk. • Their expectations of the collective leader-
off; they include the right to a fair hearing ship of Sasbo are daunting. They correctly
and protection from discrimination. Workers need a fit for purpose Sasbo expect us to rise to the occasion, to come
More recently we have been able to Recruitment with clear solutions and to action them.
increase maternity leave benefits, to We have more than 150 000 workers in our If we were to simply fold our arms, we
provide paid parental and adoption leave, sector, yet our membership remains in the would be complicit when their wages are
to extend collective agreements, to crim- mid-70 000s. suppressed, their job security is threatened or
inalise exploitation of migrant labour, to I therefore challenge every paid official, they are retrenched.
increase unemployment benefits by 50%, and every member of Sasbo to make the I believe that we are up to the task.
to provide for a national minimum wage membership a daily topic for discussion, But meeting these challenges requires
and for worker representation on the PIC including the Branch Executive Committee decisive and collective leadership, clear
Board and a clear pro-worker investment meetings and make our targets a reality. integrated programmes, hard work and joint
guideline for its investments. accountability.
Both farm workers and domestic work- Ratification of ILO Convention 190 In short, it requires us to be more UNITED
ers benefited from the National Minimum Comrades, let us express our deep appre- and DETERMINED.
Wage Regulations. ciation to our government for having Thank you. Ke a leboga.
4 Sasbo News Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 www.sasbo.org.za
NEWS
Louise reports on members participated.
Education – NOBs attended these meet-
ings with members from Branch Executive
union’s Cosatu activities Meetings
Organising – NOBs attended these
meetings.
Louisa Nett Gender: A Gender webinar was held in
August 2021 – Women’s month with the UN Labour Law amendments
As usual, it was Louisa and the ILO. The following themes were • Unemployment Insurance Benefit (UIF)
Nett who updated the covered: amendments to the Act, paternity leave as
National Executive • Gender Based Violence (ratification of ILO per the Basic Conditions of Employment Act
Congress delegates on Convention) (BCEA) and Financial Intelligence Centre
Sasbo’s activities at • Economic Justice and Rights Act (FICA) amendments have been passed
Cosatu. She began her • Bodily Autonomy and sexual reproductive • Tax Reform Bill was put on hold until March
report by detailing the health rights 2022
communication prob- • Feminist action for Climate Change • Market Conduct Committee – research was
lems caused by the • Technology and innovation for Gender done on the future of work and scarce skills
Covid lockdown. Equality linked to the 4th Industrial Revolution
“Cosatu has a Provincial and National year • Feminist movement and innovation for • Social Security – the Youth Employment Bill
planner, but this being such an abnormal year, gender equality is still under discussion
most of our meetings had to held virtually • Technology innovation • Comprehensive Social Security is still being
due to Covid. Another challenge that mem- • Women peace and security debated
bers face is obtaining data to connect to the Just Transition Workshop: This work- • Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) is
meetings.” shop was held in August 2021 virtually and under review
These problems notwithstanding, Louisa covered: 4IR and the future of work, climate • Compensation for Occupational Injuries and
had a fair amount to report on. change. agriculture, coal energy and transport, Diseases Act (COIDA) is also under review
May Day 2021 celebrations were held economic recovery and development. • National Health Insurance is under discus-
under the theme: “Deepen the back-to-basics All Provincial activities were attended sion in parliament with clear targets and
campaign, consolidate the struggle for the virtually. time frames
NDR and advance the struggle for socialism.”- Meetings: Gender, PEC and Fincom • National Credit Amendment Bill, when pro-
Due to the disruptions created by the Covid-19 meetings were held in all provinces and our mulgated, will have an impact on the banks.
pandemic, May Day Celebrations comprised
of a virtual message by the President of
Cosatu.
Central Executive Committee (CEC)–
Constitutional Structure: Participation: Three
National Office Bearers (NOBs) attended these
meetings. Three CECs were planned for the
year and all meetings were attended by three
NOBs. From this CEC Joe Kokela, our general
secretary, was nominated to be part of the
Human Resources Committee that looks after
the staff at Cosatu Central Committee (CC):
Sasbo membership
Stephne Anders TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NOVEMBER 2020 – AUGUST 2021
71000 70613
Because of the lock-
70500 70315
down and the inability
of Sasbo organisers to 70000 69719
conduct normal visits, 69500 69300
69856
the union’s membership
recruitment has been 69000 68618
severely affected. 68500 68887 68171
Fortunately, new 68000 68433
members are still able to join via the Sasbo
67500 67879
website. This link and a new recruitment
telephone number (08612-SASBO) has been 67000
shared with all members in newsflashes.
66500
It has become clear that the union needs to NOV 20 DEC 20 JAN 21 FEB 21 MAR 21 APR 21 MAY 21 JUN 21 JUL 21 AUG 21
rely on the members serving on its structures
to assist union officials to recruit new mem-
bers into the union. Fortunately, our website the link is communicated to members in all Members are reminded of the handsome
remains a trusted source of new recruits and newsflashes. prizes awaiting lucky recruiters.
Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 Sasbo News 5
COSATU
Cosatu DP’s searching study of
4IR problems and opportunities
COSATU First Deputy President, Comrade Mike Shingange, was loudly
applauded by Congress 2021 for his searching study of our contemporary
challenges. Here is a summary of his address.
wage freezes in local government, Transnet and when they are retrenched.
Eskom. In addition to the jobs and professions that
Employers in the private sector have taken we are already losing, we are likely to lose the
inspiration from these attempts to collapse col- following additional professions:
lective bargaining and to follow suit. • Construction and mining;
How have workers been able to resist and • Maintenance;
even block these naked attempts to collapse col- • Drivers;
lective bargaining? Workers have been victori- • Manufacturing;
ous where unions are strong, active and united. • Administration and telemarketers;
• Accountants and auditors, and
The 4th Industrial Revolution • Postmen.
The reality is that the 4th industrial revolution is Consider this:
here, comrades. • 56% of the workers at risk to the 4th
• It will create and cost millions of jobs globally. industrial revolution are women;
• It will have massive socio-economic benefits. • 35% of jobs at risk to automation;
• It will threaten social cohesion and stability; • 16% of workers have no alternative work
and opportunities.
• Developing economies need to plan to ensure
that they become internationally competitive Previous Areas of Socio-
to survive it. Economic Development
Mike Shingange , COSATU First Deputy President How to deal with it? We have two options, There are also positive developments.
comrades: Previous areas of jobs and socio-economic
Much has been said about the 4th industrial The first is denialism. In other words, a failure development that grew under the third indus-
revolution, in particular the risks that it to plan is equal to planning to fail. trial revolution include:
poses to our jobs and livelihoods. For many Or we can plan for a just transition. If we plan • Clothing (e.g. quality, affordability, style,
years this has been seen as a theoretica; properly, we can then ensure that: durability);
Covid-19 has shattered that illusion. • Workers can then reap the technological and • Health and medicines (affordability, quality,
When the lockdown commenced, call socio-economic rewards. accessibility, life expectancy);
centres and many banking workers were shif- • We protect jobs, workers and their families; • Transport (mass based, speed, safety);
ted to work from home. This has expanded to and • Housing (quality, comfortability);
the retail sector, to schools, universities, many • Industry is geared towards sustainable • Communications (affordability, accessibil-
government departments and even us as the development. ity); and
trade union movement. Many of these shifts This is not the first industrial revolution. The • Education.
are permanent. previous three also decimated workers’ jobs. Part of our challenge as unions is to push
Home Affairs, SARS and many other gov- Unions then also battled to protect workers’ government and industry to invest in sectors,
ernment services will increasingly go digital. livelihoods. Millions of workers lost their till- some new, where we can create and sustain
This will help extend service delivery to then-secure jobs. jobs and a better life for our members, work-
those who can access such services via digital Professions under threat today include: ers, and in particular the youth. Areas that
platforms. • Cashiers, ticket conductors and tellers; can be rich in jobs and bring socio-economic
But we must also not leave behind those • Watch makers; benefits include renewable energy.
who do not have a smart phone or only feels • Receptionists; Thousands of coal mine and energy work-
comfortable talking to a friendly face. • Human resources; ers’ jobs and communities in Mpumalanga
Our challenges as unions are to fight to • Mine workers; and Limpopo are at risk simply because
make sure workers’ jobs are protected. • Agriculture; government and industry are not planning for
We have seen in the public service govern- • Petrol station attendants; a just transition.
ment unilaterally reneging on a signed wage • Car washers; and • There are also positive opportunities here
agreement in 2020. We have been forced to • Printing. too for workers. One is to require that all
take the state to court. Treasury attempted but This is not theoretical. Pick ’n Pay is conduct- renewable energy generation sites use loc-
failed to impose a wage freeze in 2021. They ing a trial of replacing cashiers today in Cape ally produced materials.
will try to impose a wage freeze in the next Town. Farms are replacing thousands of work- • Second is for the workers hired for such
budget cycle. ers with machines. These are largely blue-collar construction and related activities to be
Treasury tried but failed to impose similar workers with few alternative jobs to look for South African workers.
6 Sasbo News Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 www.sasbo.org.za
COSATU
•T hird, we need as organised labour to invest workers in general. Critical aspects include: Critical Tasks
in and own these economic opportunities. • Research and design investment; • Back to basics: recruiting, organising, wages,
Examples of socio-economic benefits for • Linkage between industry needs and educa- conditions, job security and training;
workers and the youth include: tion curricula; • Pushing for constant skills development and
• Distance and online education; • Investments in computer and science educa- education of workers;
• Access to health care (drone medicine tion at schools, colleges and universities; • Demanding just transition plans from
delivery); • Worker training programmes and lifelong government and industry, in particular jobs
• Improved agricultural capacity and food learning; and skilling and absorption plans; and
security; • Online and distance learning. • Pushing for sustainable development prac-
• Renewable energy (pollution, climate tices by industry.
change and health improvements); and Intellectual Property and Equality If we sleep on the job, comrades, as
• Transport and communication (accessible One of the success stories that South Africa unions, the real dangers of not planning
and more affordable). has championed has been challenging patent include mass unemployment, homelessness,
and intellectual laws to produce generic med- poverty, rising crime; and social chaos and
Sustainable Development ication. This enabled the mass role of now conflict.
Industry is only interested in profit, not affordable medicines saving millions of lives It is also critical that we as Sasbo and
society’s development. It is critical for us as of persons living with HIV and Aids COSATU put pressure on employers to
unions, and especially young workers, to Critical areas for further campaigns provide the necessary tools of trade. We must
campaign for industry to be based upon the include: put pressure on government and industry
principles of sustainable development. • Medicines, education, information techno- to make data accessible and affordable. We
Key aspects include: logy, renewable energy, water conservation should not leave workers behind.
• Renewable energy, climate challenge and and recycling, and transport. Government and business need to be forced
pollution; • Supporting government’s campaign for the to address network and administrative block-
• Water conservation; waiving of intellectual property for Covid- ages to grow that inhibits job creation.
• Printing, deforestation and desertification; 19 vaccines.
• Food security, healthier foods and sustain- Critical Challenges for Trade Unions Conclusion
able agriculture; and • Recruiting workers in evolving sectors, e.g. We need Sasbo to lead us in proposals and
• Medical developments, accessible and outsourced, labour brokers, sub-contract- resolutions on how we can ensure a 4IR that
affordable. ors, satellites, etc. benefits and empowers workers, that creates
• Defending and expanding collective jobs and not unemployment, that unites and
Education bargaining; does not divide.
Key to ensuring a just transition is to invest- • Conditions of service e.g. leave, wages, I know that Sasbo will not disappoint us.
ing in education, especially for the youth and benefits, job security, etc. Thank you.
Report-back from Mancom
Detailed hereunder are the decisions taken In this regard, I can confirm that the the 2021 National Executive Congress on
by Sasbo’s Management Committee since Management Committee of the Union has virtual platform due to ongoing Covid-19
the 2020 National Executive Congress at its bi-monthly meetings perused and restrictions.
as presented to Congress by Sasbo interrogated the management accounts of the • Accepted all new members who joined
Management Committee member, David Union, considered, reviewed and agreed not the Union in 2021, and request the con-
Cedras. to change and or amend Sasbo’s investments. gress to ratify Management Committee’s
Another study was conducted to evaluate acceptance.
Constitutional Requirement all Sasbo buildings nationally and a decision • Sasbo staff retention scheme, and
Clause 13.5 of the Sasbo Constitution was taken to keep all the buildings. It was Sasbo Shares scheme are still under review
states that: noted that in some instances the values of and Management Committee committed to
“The management committee shall meet every the buildings have doubled since the time of finalize the matter by end December 2021.
second month, or as and when required, on dates purchase. • Clause 12.6 (Congress meetings) and
set by the General Secretary”. 13.4 (Mancom composition) were dis-
In this regard, I can confirm that the Financial Matters dealt with and cussed. A decision was taken to find a legal
Management Committee of the Union has, approved by the Management expert to help clarify different interpret-
since the 2020 National Executive Congress, Committee ations. The response was received and
which was held in May 2021, held five • The Audited Financial statements as at agreed upon.
Management Committee meetings and two 31 December 2020, as well as 2021 salary • Management Committee, in con-
Management Committee Strategic Offsite ranges were approved. Sasbo has, once sultation with the General Secretary,
meetings. Management Committee has fur- again, received an unqualified audit for the drafted, reviewed and approved the
ther held seven In-Committee meetings. 2020 financial year. Transformation Policy and Plan, and
• The Sasbo 2021 budget and 2021 member- hereby request the congress to ratify
Clause 13.8 of the Sasbo Constitution ship subscription increase of 3,65% were Management Committee’s approval.
states that: approved. • Management Committee reviewed and
“It shall be the duty of the management committee approved the Sasbo Gender Policy and
to safeguard the financial interests of the union Other Matters dealt with hereby request the congress to ratify.
and to attend to all headquarters’ staff matters and approved by the • Management Committee tasked the presid-
from the post of Assistant General Secretary Management Committee ent to oversee the launch of the Youth Desk
upwards” • Management Committee agreed to hold which took place in May 2021.
Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 Sasbo News 7
VACCINATION REPORT
Convincing vaccine advice
Dr Lesego Rametsi, Absa How is immunity developed? and put them into a harmless virus to
Group head of Health Immunity is developed in two ways: make a vaccine.
and Wellness, presented • Prior infection gives natural immunity • This is injected into the patient.
a convincing case for • Vaccination • The vaccine enters the cells, which then
vaccinating to delegates Vaccines create new antibodies. A vaccine start to produce the coronavirus spike
attending Sasbo’s virtual is a tiny, weakened, non-dangerous frag- protein.
National Executive ment of the organism and includes parts of • This prompts the immune system to pro-
Congress. Here is a the antigen. It is enough that our body can duce antibodies and activate killer T-cells
summary of her clear and learn to build the specific antibody. Then if to destroy infected cells.
Dr Lesego Rametsi detailed address. the body encounters the real antigen later, Newer vaccines contain the blueprint for
as part of the real organism it already knows producing antigens: Pfizer and Moderna.
What is a vaccine? how to defeat it. They work as follows:
It is a substance used to stimulate the pro- When a new pathogen or disease enters • Understanding the virus that causes
duction of antibodies and provide immunity our body, it introduces a new antigen. For Covid: Coronavirus like the one that
against one or several diseases. every antigen, our body needs to build a spe- causes Covid-19, are named for the crown-
Vaccines have been part of the primary cific antibody that can grab onto the antigen like spikes on their surface, called spike
health care for centuries – the cowpox vac- and defeat the pathogen. proteins. These spike proteins are ideal
cine was released in 1796 already. targets for the vaccines.
Vaccines are credited with the eradication Personal vs population • What is mRNA? Messenger RNA or
of life-threatening diseases (e.g. polio, small- (herd) immunity mRNA is genetic material that tells your
pox, mumps and measles). Personal immunity – a vaccine protects an body how to make protein.
• Pathogen – bacterium, virus, parasite or individual. • What is in the vaccine? The vaccine is
fungus that can cause a disease within the Population immunity – community vaccin- made of mRNA wrapped in a coating that
body ation protects the whole community even makes delivery easy and keeps the body
• Antigen – subpart of a pathogen that those who cannot vaccinate. from damaging it.
causes the formation of antibodies. • How does the vaccine work? The mRNA
• Antibody – a protective protein produced How vaccines work in the vaccine teaches your cells how to
by the immune system in response to the Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts make copies of the spike protein if you
presence of a foreign substance. of a particular organism (antigen) that trig- are exposed to the real virus later, your
To be vaccinated for travel is not new gers an immune response within the body: body will recognize it and know how to
– you’ve always had to get vaccinated for J&J and AstraZeneca fight it off.
yellow fever when you travel to certain des- • Scientists have taken genes for the spike Data unequivocally support efficacy of
tinations in Africa. protein on the surface of the coronavirus, vaccination against Covid-19. The vaccin-
ation reduces the risk of mortality relate
to influenza. The vaccine is more than 90%
effective in reducing death.
Adverse side effects
A graph shown by Dr Rametsi revealed these
startling comparisons:
Relative risk of severe adverse effects per million
Severe vaccine adverse event . . . . 1,0-2,0
Struck by lightning . . . . . . . . . . 1,0
Death in a car accident (SA) . . . . . . 233,3
Death as result of murder (SA) . . . . 383,3
Death as result of Covid-19 (SA) . . . 1 810,0
Common myths
• The safety of the vaccines is not yet
established
• Accelerated development with short cuts
taken
• 5G Technology is implanted
• Depopulation strategy
• Infertility and congenital abnormalities in
children
• Alter human DNA
THESE ARE FALSE!
Dr Rametsi concluded, “Get your vaccina-
Scenes from the mass vaccination site in Sandton that Sasbo officials attended. tion and be part of the solution.”
8 Sasbo News Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 www.sasbo.org.za
NEWS
Sasbo and Absa renew their agreement
Sasbo and Absa have signed an up-dated
recognition agreement that has secured the
union’s organisational rights at the bank
for years to come.
“The agreement needed fine-tuning
because the last agreement dated from
when Absa was formed,” says Sasbo assist-
ant general secretary, Philip Landman, who
played a leading role in shaping the new
agreement.
Central to the new deal is Sasbo’s
ongoing right to represent its members at select shop stewards from among the bank’s Deborah Mitchell of Absa, and Joe Kokela,
disciplinary and grievance inquiries; nego- employees. Ben Venter, Francina Peteke and Philip
tiate salaries and working conditions and Seen at the signing are Tshego Cossa and Landman from Sasbo.
Sasbo achieves significant
improvements to Absa’s leave policy
Following considerable constructive feed- percentage of the encashed leave lump sum
back from its members, Sasbo has negotiated that can be made pensionable is the same as
a range of improvements to Absa’s leave your current monthly contribution percent-
policy. Complimenting the members on their age. This is a good opportunity to boost
efforts, assistant general secretary, Advocate your pension fund!
Philip Landman, said: • An automatic encashment of 4 days of accu-
“We received hundreds of comments. I mulated leave will take effect if a person
thank everyone who took the trouble to write reaches the 32-day cap. There will therefore
to me. The diversity of the comments made be no “accidental forfeiture “of accumulated Sasbo’s
it impossible to put a consolidated position
to the bank that reflected the views of every
leave.
• Members will be allowed to book leave
Financial update
member. However, I’m pleased to announce in advance (12-month limitation) and the Samantha Anthony,
that the main issues brought to our attention booked leave will not be encashed when Head of Finance.
have been addressed. the bank pays out excess leave balances in
“The new leave conditions agreed are: July 2021. Members will therefore be able to As per usual, the
• Annual leave will increase from 15 days reduce their leave balances instead of having auditors that checked
to 17 days for all BA 1 to BA 4 employees. to encash all leave in excess of the new cap.” Sasbo’s finances and
Accumulated leave will remain at 8 days Philip Landman added: “There are changes accounting, had the
per year which means that the total number to the annual leave system which are very following to say:
of leave days per year for employees on BA important to understand. These changes “In our opinion, the financial state-
1 to BA 4 levels will increase from 23 to 25 are in line with the provisions of the Basic ments present fairly, in all material
days per year. Conditions of Employment Act. Therefore, respects, the financial position of Sasbo
• The proposed maximum accumulated leave the Union did not submit any proposals to the – The Finance Union as at 31 December
cap of 24 days has been increased to 32 days. bank in this regard. 2020, and its financial performance
• Members will in future be able to encash 12 “The bank will run a proper information and cash flows for the year then ended
leave days per annum instead of the current campaign in order to ensure that the details in accordance with the International
8 leave days. of the proposed changes are properly under- Financial Reporting Standard and the
• Members will be able to elect on a once- stood. Members are encouraged to make requirements of the Labour Relations Act,
off basis to make a portion of their themselves aware of all the details pertaining 1995.
encashed leave lump sum pensionable. The to the proposed changes.” “Further, in our opinion the trade
union has complied with the provisions
of its constitution relating to financial
statement matters as at 31 December
We received hundreds of comments. I thank everyone 2020.”
who took the trouble to write to me... This means that Sasbo has received an
unqualified audit.
SASBOsure – Clients enjoy free AA road and home emergency assistance
Contact firstEquity at info@firstequity.co.za or 0860 744 447 for a quote.
Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 Sasbo News 9
NEWS
Stop sexual harassment
Sasbo wholeheartedly supports the ratifica-
tion of Convention 190 on the elimination of
violence and harassment and gender-based Making a positive
violence in the workplace.
difference to the lives of our
What is sexual harassment? members.
Sexual harassment is conduct of a sexual
nature that the victim does not like or want. If
SA adopts ILO 190 the perpetrator refuses to stop giving someone What can I do if this happens to me?
attention of a sexual nature; or harasses the
Convention against person after being told that such attention
DO NOT KEEP QUIET! Your silence or
inaction unfortunately tells the perpetrator
violence and harassment is not welcome, the perpetrator is guilty of that you are welcoming or tolerating his/her
sexual harassment unseemly behaviour.
Now is the time for us to stand together
to ensure everyone’s right to live and
What types of sexual 1. The Informal route
operate in a world free from violence and
harassment are there? To combat unwanted attention you can go the
harassment.
Physical – Ranges from touching your body informal route whereby you tell the perpet-
South Africa is moving in the right
to sexual assault and rape and includes strip rator straight out that he/she must stop with
direction. It is in the process of adopting
searching you by or in the presence of a mem- that behaviour because it is unwanted, you
the International Labour Organisation
ber of the opposite sex. feel uncomfortable, and it interferes with your
Convention No. 190 which, read with
Verbal – Making sexual suggestions, jokes, work.
Recommendation 206, recognises the right
remarks, asking you questions about your sex
of everyone in a world of work free from
life, whistling at you, sending sexual graphics 2. The Formal route
violence and harassment.
about your body 2.1 Grievance – If the perpetrator continues
Will we now see the end of workplace
Non-verbal – Unwelcome signs, undressing with the bad behaviour, you can lodge a griev-
bullies, harassers, sexists, ethnic critics,
in front of you or showing his/her private ance You must contact Sasbo immediately who
school children picking on innocent
parts to you (indecent exposure), he/she sends will advise you on how to lodge a grievance.
learners in ways that result in their suicide?
you photos, pictures or messages of a sexual 2.2 Disciplinary Enquiry (D.E.) – DEs will be
International Labour Organisation
nature using any communication channel for very serious offences like when the perpet-
Convention No. 190 defines violence and
including social media. rator repeatedly ignores your request to stop,
harassment as “a range of unacceptable
Quid pro quo harassment – The perpet- or where sexual assault, rape, a strip search
behaviours and practices” that “aim at,
rator tries to use the process of employment, and quid pro quo harassment has transpired.
result in, or are likely to result in physical,
promotion, training, discipline, dismissal, 2.3 CCMA or Labour Court – You can also
psychological, sexual or economic harm”.
salary increases or other benefits to favour refer a dispute to the CCMA or the Labour
This same Convention also addresses
you in exchange for “sexual favours” for the Court if you are the victim.
physical abuse, verbal abuse, bullying
perpetrator. If you do give in to the perpet-
(especially in the cyber space) and mobbing,
rator’s demand, the perpetrator will grant What is the Employer expected to do?
sexual harassment, threats and stalking,
you many favours; but if you refuse to give Maintain confidentiality of your identity as a
among other things. Along with its supple-
in, then the perpetrator threatens or makes victim, give you trauma counselling, possibly
menting Recommendation (No. 206), it sets
life at work very difficult for you by unfairly grant additional sick leave; provide regular
out a common framework for action to pre-
prejudicing you in the workplace due to information and education on the matter to
vent and address violence and harassment
your refusal to give in to the demands of the raise awareness and foster a safe working
in the world of work through collective
perpetrator. environment.
bargaining.
The Convention also makes special pro-
vision for people with disabilities and for
those travelling on public transport.
Welcoming the adoption of the
Sasbo’s Moses Lekota elected
Convention, which is now going through
parliament in Bill format, Sasbo general
president of UNI-Africa
secretary, Joe Kokela, said: “Working from Sasbo president, Moses Lekota, has been for their contributions to growing UNI-
home and the rising retrenchments statist- unanimously elected to serve a four-year Africa and giving it a strong foundation.
ics have increased the number of reported term as president of UNI-Africa. The vot- “Our challenge now is to build on that
violence cases to alarming levels. ing took place during a virtual conference foundation to make UNI-Africa a force to be
“Nobody is above the law; every human of the regional body that unites 168 unions reckoned with.
being is equal in the eyes of the law. Now is from 36 African countries. “Keeping the human factor relevant in a
the time for us to stand together to ensure Moses told Sasbo News: “I feel deeply world of work bedevilled by a pandemic
everyone’s right to live and operate in a honoured. My election is as much a credit to and by largely unknown technological
world free from violence and harassment. Sasbo as it is to me.” advances that favour automation is not
“Hopefully, SA’s acceptance of In his inaugural address to the Congress, going to be easy. I therefore pledge myself
Convention 190 is the first step towards a Moses paid tribute to his predecessor, Founé to work closely with our general secretary
new harmonious, peaceful and non-discrim- Niang Ndèye of Senegal, and to UNI Global and with all UNI-Africa affiliates.”
inating society.” Union general secretary, Christie Hoffman, Continued on page 14 …
10 Sasbo News Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 www.sasbo.org.zatiMe to applY FoR a
2022 SaSbo StudY GRant
Times are tough and education is more good standing. 2021 or applications may be faxed to:
important than ever. Sasbo cares, therefore • If the required grant is for a child, at least 011 388 6066.
the union is yet again offering 50 study one parent should be a Sasbo member in Recipients of the previous round of Study
grants of up to R4 000 each to help mem- good standing. Grants and who have hopefully almost com-
bers (and/or their children) to further their • No other relatives (i.e. sisters, brothers, pleted their study year with success, were:
tertiary educational ambitions. The names in-laws, etc.) will be considered. Johannesburg: Boniwe Lucia Khumalo,
of the recipients are drawn from all the • The student has to be in his/her second Hlayisani Ntsanwisi, Keith Chandler,
qualifying applications received. year of study – or beyond – at a recognized Mampa Maloka, Matshidiso Munyai,
Please note the following: tertiary educational institution. Natasha Ramdin, Pauline Phoshoko, Sylvia
• There is no age ceiling to the grant • The grants are not available to cover school Ntisa, Thurunaigee Nadar, Charity Mudua,
qualifications. fees or other forms of education. Lennet Komane, Nokuthula Masondo,
• The grants are solely for students under- Each application needs to be accompanied Mildred More, Irend MIntamu.
going approved forms of tertiary educa- by: Pretoria: Lucy Vilikazi, Nkono Ramonyai,
tion. The grants do not apply to any other • Proof of successful completion of your 2021 Precious Shubane, Motsoko Phuti Ronell
branch of education. studies. Abersalie, Christina Mabhena.
• We receive many applications for the • Proof of your 2022 registration/enrolment, Durban: Krishnie Govender, Natasha
grants. Only 50 of the applicants whose and tuition fees paid, or payable. Swart, Nompumelelo Gumede, Noresh
names will be drawn in April or May next To ensure that their applications are Mahdoo, Phelokazi Nongcaula, Pravia
year will be fortunate enough to receive considered, applicants should answer all the Prawlall, Shameeta Maharaj, Wandile
Sasbo’s help. questions on the application form on this Mbuthu, Kenereis Paige Pillay.
• Do not submit more than one application. page. Please write clearly. The closing date Gqeberha: Montobeko Lucia Gqeke,
Additional applications are discarded. for applications is 28 February 2022. Pontso Sauli, Tania van Niekerk, Donné
• Complete applications in full with all sup- Successful applicants will be contacted Hoek, Joey Meyer.
porting documents attached. telephonically in April or May 2022 after the Cape Town: Magdalene Petro Hartnick,
final draw has taken place and the names of Bernan Losper, Joey Ushela Meyers, Pamela
The rules the successful applicants will be published in Booise, Thembisile Nkumane, Venesia
The rules governing the allocation of Sasbo Sasbo News. Trantaal.
study grants are: Completed forms can be mailed to: Sasbo Bloemfontein: Edith Terblance, Leana
• Applicants have to be Sasbo members in 2022 Study Grant Private Bag X84 Bryanston Chamberlain.
Application for a 2022 Sasbo Study Grant
Sasbo membership number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Institution where Sasbo member is employed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sasbo member’s name & surname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Closest centre to member (please tick):
Johannesburg Pretoria Durban Gqeberha Cape Town Bloemfontein
Applicant’s name & surname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Relationship of applicant to member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applicant’s year of study (eg: 2nd year) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postal address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tel (H). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (W). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bank deposit details
Name of account holder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bank name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Account number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Branch (compulsary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Branch number (compulsary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type of account (eg. Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTE: INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 Sasbo News 11BENEFITS
Current Add-On Benefits
Please note that these benefits are only available to paid-up Sasbo members.
Sasbo Benevolent Fund • A child of a member or staff member, and are SASBOsure Personal Insurance
The Sasbo Benevolent Fund, which draws its resources under the age of 25. We will match or beat your current premiums*
from union funds and member donations, renders • A grandchild or other child blood relation of the SASBOsure: car, home and contents insurance for
financial assistance to members who are suffering member or staff member, and are under the age over 30 years. firstEquity* has offered SASBOsure
extreme financial hardship. of 25, and are solely financially dependent on the an exciting insurance offering designed exclusively
member. for Sasbo members. SASBOsure has always had the
Sasbo Legal Line – 0860 111 000 following principles at its core: competitive costs,
This is the union’s free 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a- Old Mutual Group Schemes exclusive benefits and unmatched service levels
year legal advice line available to members, through During their 20-year association with Old Mutual, through a dedicated relationship manager. A few of
Europ Assistance. Sasbo callers receive unlimited Sasbo members have invested in a wide range SASBOsure’s exclusive benefits include:
general telephonic legal advice, which has saved of financial plans (investment, education, capital • free AA road and home emergency assistance;
members millions of rands in legal costs. The other accumulation and funeral plans) made available • free 7-day car hire;
services include free tax and financial support for to members at competitive rates. Their collective • an excess shield; and
education. Effective from 1 October 2020 members will stake in Old Mutual qualified the 11 000 members • a unique retrenchment benefit.
have access to Covid-19 support, such as tele-doctors with Old Mutual investments for shares worth an SASBOsure promises to match or beat your
and professional nurses. estimated R40 million when the company privatised current premium or quote (Ts&Cs will apply). For
its operation in 1999. Old Mutual continues to offer a quote, contact us on info@firstequity.co.za or
Sasbo Study Grants an expanding range of investment opportunities 011 510 1300. * firstEquity Risk Management
Each year the union offers study grants (on a rand- which members would be wise to investigate. Services (Pty) Ltd is a registered FSP.
forrand basis) to members or their children undergoing
second-year tertiary education or beyond. Sasbo Member Funeral Cover Sasbo News
Effective from 1 September 2020, the Sasbo member Members are kept up-to-date about Sasbo
Old Mutual Educational funeral benefit, which is included in your union personalities and activities through its own
Trust Scholarships membership and underwritten by Old Mutual, has newspaper, Sasbo News. Sasbo News keeps
Sasbo has been admitted to the Old Mutual increased from R10 000 to R15 000 for all members them abreast of developments in the local and
educational trust that promotes tertiary education under 63 years of age. An additional R15 000 will international finance industry, international socio-
by providing scholarships for worthy individuals. The be paid out in the case of unnatural death in the economic trends and developments in the labour
scholarship provides funding to study on a full-time, line of duty. This means a potential total cover of movement.
part-time or on a distance basis, for a first-time R30 000 per member. Claims should be directed to
undergraduate degree or diploma (including BTech) at your nearest Old Mutual Servicing branch or contact Sasbo Smalls
an accredited Higher Education Institution. You may the Old Mutual Call Centre on 0860 607 000 for This ‘shop window’ in Sasbo News enables members
apply only if you are: assistance or visit the Sasbo website for details of to advertise – free of charge for a prescribed period
• A member or staff member of one of the the claims procedure. Please relay this information to and at a modest cost thereafter – their goods,
participating trade unions. your family members. services, properties for sale or rent and other items.
Financial Institutions BPS Enrolment and Information update form
Pensioners PO Box 1871, Saxonwold, 2132 • 159 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, 2193
Society (BPS) Tel: 011 442 0030 • Fax: 011 442 0034 or 011 447 3498
Bankmed: Dedicated pensioner option E-mail: BPSoc@telkomsa.net
to assist with claims and queries. Phone Please enrol me as a member of the BPS and debit my account annually with the
the toll free helpline on 0800 22605633.
There is also a dedicated pensioner tab on amount of R66*.
www.bankmed.co.za.
Account no: .................................................. at ............................................................. (bank)
Funeral cover: A competitive premium is
available from AVBOB for pensioners up to Branch name: .............................................................. Branch code no: ...................................
the age of 84 years. Call 011 442 0030 (BPS Full names: ...............................................................................................................................
Office) or 021 851 0402 or 082 453 5789, fax
0866 162 281 (Kobus Bruwer of Be Wise). ID number: ................................................................................................................................
Benevolent fund: Apply via your BPS Address: ....................................................................................................................................
branch to the National Council for
financial assistance (only in deserving and .................................................................... Postal code: .........................................................
exceptional cases).
Home tel: ..................................................... Fax: .....................................................................
Insurance: Pensure from firstEquity is
especially for BPS members and includes AA Email: .......................................................... Cell: ....................................................................
Road Assist. Call 011 510 1300. Date: ............................................................ Signature: ............................................................
Heart2Care: Caring is what we do and
love. For all your health needs and care Enrolled by: ............................................................. Membership no: .........................................
in the comfort of your home, contact us * This amount may be adjusted annually www.bps-fips.co.za
at 011 675 2716 or 082 920 2538, or visit
www.heart2care.co.za. A free copy of SASBO News will be posted to each BPS member
12 Sasbo News Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 www.sasbo.org.zaREGULARS
for the reCord
What with Covid, load-shedding and the political mayhem, these are difficult
times. But for every negative there is a positive.
Never has this tenet been truer than it is now.
On the jobs front, thank heavens we have a union and industry capable of
steering us through the turmoil.
The shake-up provided by the recent elections is bound to result in
better governance.
On the work front, many individuals are managing to turn their
new circumstance into a blessing. Colleagues who have hankered for
the freedom to create their own work/life balance have gained that right
in large measure.
Parents are spending more time with their children. Husbands and wives
are spending more quality time together. Families are becoming closer.
Dreams of country living without sacrificing big city opportunities are being
realized. Gardeners, runners, hobbyists and others are able to indulge their pas-
times more generously.
We are hearing of family budgets benefitting as imbibers adopt healthier habits
and families rely less on artificial entertainment.
We need to remain hyper-alert, though. Promising though the statistics are, we
are not yet out of the Covid woods. Looking at what is happening in the more
developed nations, there might be worse to come.
Let’s play our role in helping to get everyone vaccinated.
Dare we say it, or think it - could it be that dreaded Covid and its equally fright-
ening pal, the 4IR, will turn out to be the gear-change to better all-round lifestyles?
COffEE BREAK SUDOKU Keep Sasbo updated
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 All Sasbo members need to keep their contact details
squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9. Solution on page 10. updated to ensure that they receive all communication.
Ask yourself these questions:
• Do you receive Sasbo News regularly?
3 2 5 • Do you receive emails from Sasbo?
• Do you receive SMSs with news updates?
• Does your branch/department receive faxes from Sasbo?
9 2 7 8 If you answer “no” to any of the above questions, then
you need to complete the form below and email or fax it
to Sasbo on fax@sasbo.org.za or 011 467 0188 as soon as
5 8 1 4 possible.
If you retire you can no longer be a Sasbo member but you
can become a member of the Bank Pensioners’ Society (BPS).
8 1 3 2 See page 12 for their contact details.
If you make yourself a part of the communication chain, you
will never again have to wonder what your union is doing
4 7 for you!
Name: __________________________________________________
Sasbo membership no: ___________________________________
7 1 Managerial/General staff: ________________________________
Bank and department/branch: ____________________________
9 1 6
_________________________________________________________
Postal address: __________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
1 7 _________________________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________
Cell: ____________________________________________________
4 7 9 8 2 5 Tel: _____________________________________________________
Fax: ____________________________________________________
We will match or beat your current premiums*
Contact, firstEquity**at info@firstequity.co.za or 0860 744 447 for a quote.
*T&C’S apply. ** firstEquity is a regsitered fSP.
Vol 43, No 4 – Dec/Jan 2022 Sasbo News 13You can also read
