Labour
SAPS told to redeploy Roos
The police were ordered by the Johannesburg Labour Court yesterday to redeploy a colonel to a similar position and to compensate him in an unfair labour practice case, which was was brought by Solidarity on behalf of its member, Colonel Kobus Roos, in February. “The respondents [SAPS] must pay Roos compensation of R156 250… within 14 days of this judgment,” the court found. Solidarity said the SAPS had conceded that it had acted unfairly. Roos had acted as head of internal audit in the crime intelligence division, and the Labour Court ordered he be redeployed to that unit. The union said former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli had appointed Roos to investigate the unit and he had uncovered “wide-ranging” corruption. He had disclosed proof of corruption in a protected disclosure. Mdluli stopped the investigation and transferred Roos to the inspectorate and evaluation division of the unit, which the union said was redundant. Solidarity spokesman Johan Kruger said: “We are pleased Roos can continue his work in crime intelligence. He was marginalised simply because he was good at his job and exposed corruption.” – Sapa
Technology
Digital centre for Elsies River
The Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town would spend R2.8 million to build a digital access centre in Elsies River suburb, the provincial authority said yesterday. Residents would have access to wi-fi, meeting rooms, video conference facilities, training workshops, study rooms and sound proof recording booths at the Interactive Community Access Network Centre. The City of Cape Town has R222m to roll out broadband throughout the city over three years. Another project by the city, SmartCape, offers free internet at 102 libraries including free access via wi-fi in public buildings. – Asha Speckman