BL Premium writes that the scene for tough wage talks in the platinum sector has been set now that the dominant Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has demanded a minimum wage of R17,000, just as the troubled industry begins to find its feet again.   Source: Latest News

BL Premium reports that in his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined an extensive and ambitious programme for the next five years that promised both expansive public spending as well as a commitment to prudent management of public finances.   Source: Latest News

The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) reported on Thursday that the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court had dropped charges against Ms Mapitse Tebogo Bopape, who had been accused of defrauding the Department of Labour’s Compensation Fund.   Source: Latest News

Engineering News reports that trade union Solidarity indicated on Thursday that South African exporters of steel and aluminium products were under severe pressure after the United States (US) recently granted Canada and Mexico exemption from steel and aluminium tariffs.   Source: Latest News

BusinessLive reports that Eskom has appointed Bheki Nxumalo, a long-time employee of the state-owned power utility, to head its critical power generation business.   Source: Latest News

BusinessLive reports that the commission of inquiry into impropriety at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) heard on Wednesday that the government was considering breaking up the organisation into autonomous business units to help improve efficiency.   Source: Latest News

BusinessLive reports that according to the Automobile Association (AA), retreating oil prices have painted a rosier picture for South African fuel users than has been the case for much of 2019.   Source: Latest News

BusinessLive reports that South African Airways (SAA) has lashed out at the SAA Pilots’ Association (Saapa) by saying its remarks against acting CEO Zuks Ramasia were opportunistic and disparaging.   Source: Latest News

Engineering News reports that the SA government will be spending about R38-billion over the next three years on the procurement of new trains for the Metrorail service, as well as on the modernisation of signalling systems, depots, perway and stations.   Source: Latest News

Bloomberg reports that the president of the National Union of Mineworkers, Joseph Montisetse, said on Wednesday in an interview that the union was against any plan to split power utility Eskom into three units because it would result in job losses.   Source: Latest News