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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane laid criminal charges against members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) participating in the unlawful strike against the municipality. This action is in response to serious allegations including sabotage, conspiracy to kidnap, and intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Some of the discussions went as far as to conspire to kidnap the mayor’s wife.

A concerned whistle-blower has come forward and shared disturbing messages from a Telegram group that includes known SAMWU members used to discuss the unlawful strike. Messages on this group explicitly discuss and plan acts of vandalism aimed at disrupting vital municipal services and infrastructure.

The discussions go even further and highlight the increasing prevalence of violent criminal behaviour characterising the illegal strike as violent criminal intentions to assault the City Manager and kidnap people are outlined.

The urgency of addressing these threats cannot be overstated. Over the weekend, a City of Tshwane employee was violently hijacked and shot at by a group of individuals who had earlier issued warnings against employees of the city going to work. This tragic incident not only shows their intent to follow through on threats, but also their willingness to act with a disregard for the rule of law.

We appeal to the SAPS to expeditiously examine the evidence provided and to respond swiftly in order to protect the lives of our citizens and municipal employees.

Attacks on waste trucks, the sabotaging of critical water infrastructure, the stoning of Tshwane vehicles, assaults and attempted murder of municipal employees and the burning of municipal depots have become commonplace amid the illegal SAMWU strike.

While we understand the desire for salary increases, we must prioritise the overall needs of our city and its residents. The municipality lacks the funds to accommodate the additional R600 million that the proposed increases would contribute to our salary budget for the 2023/2024 financial year.

We demand that SAMWU’s leadership stop playing politics and put the well-being of their members and City of Tshwane first. SAMWU is gambling with the future of Tshwane and history will judge them harshly. This illegal strike must come to an end. We invite them to make use of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council instead of resorting to disruption, intimidation, and violence.

Issued by Cllr Kwena Moloto - DA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson