For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: SAA makes new offer to unions as strike nears; Dlamini-Zuma says government employees need to think differently to achieve local government goals; And, US to reevaluate South Sudan ties after unity government deadline passes

SAA makes new offer to unions as strike nears

South African Airways has made a new offer to unions in a bid to avert a looming strike at the national flag carrier, after the national carrier announced on Monday that it is embarking on a restructuring process which may affect up to 944 jobs - almost a fifth of its employees.

National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, said that the new offer would be put to the union members at a meeting today. 

Unions want an increase of 8% across-the-board wag, job security for at least three years, and the in-sourcing of more staff. 

The struggling State-owned airline, in turn, has scrapped all domestic, regional, and international flights on Friday and Saturday, with the exception of a few international flights.

Dlamini-Zuma says government employees need to think differently to achieve local government goals

Those working in the local government sphere must “think differently” to harness development opportunities in an environment of limited policy choices and public resources, South Africa’s cooperative governance minister has told an international gathering of local government leaders.

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said at the start of the United Cities and Local Government summit that workers must not subject the development of local economies to financial and infrastructure constraints.

She told delegates at the summit that the congress had the responsibility of exploring new and innovative ways to reverse the economic fortunes of the majority of citizens.

And, US to reevaluate South Sudan ties after unity government deadline passes

The United States on Wednesday said it was "gravely disappointed" with South Sudan's failure to form a unity government by a November 12 deadline and would "reevaluate" its relationship with the African nation's government.

US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement the country will work bilaterally and with the international community to take action against all those impeding South Sudan’s peace process,

He added that the United States would also seek "to establish a new paradigm to achieve peace and a successful political transition in South Sudan" with others in the region.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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