Date: 20/01/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Van Schalkwyk: Handing over cheque to former Saron municipality employees


COMMENTS BY WESTERN CAPE PREMIER, MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK, ACCOMPANIED BY MINISTERS RASOOL AND DOWRY DURING A CHEQUE HAND-OVER TO 29 EMPLOYEES OF THE FORMER SARON MUNICIPALITY, 20 January 2003

WESTERN CAPE COALITION GOVERNMENT: SOLUTIONS IN SARON

The NNP-ANC coalition government is determined to build the Western Cape into a World Class Province which Cares for all its people. From the outset we have made it clear that our coalition will make service delivery, and the strengthening of communities, the hallmarks of our Provincial Government. And today, by handing over this cheque in the amount of R200 000, we are illustrating our commitment to address and resolve potentially divisive issues in our communities.

The money we are handing over today will be allocated to the 29 former employees of the dissolved Saron municipality for the loss of income they suffered due to the alleged wrongful termination of their service in 1995. The dissolved Saron municipality was incorporated into the Drakenstein Municipality, who in turn agreed to bring this matter to a constructive conclusion. With the financial assistance of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape this matter is finally being brought to a close today.

It is clear that the Saron 29 had to wait for far too long for what they are rightfully entitled to. It took a Government with the necessary political will and the political determination to finally bring an end to this unfortunate issue. It took a Government serious about alleviating the plight of the poor, and making a difference to the quality of life of all the people in our province, to bring to a close this regrettable chapter in the lives of these workers and their families. The NNP and the ANC - working together and bringing together the communities of the Western Cape - have formed such a Government. Our Provincial Government knows and understands poverty, and realises the urgency of matters such as these.

I am happy that this matter has been brought to a constructive conclusion. I am also particularly pleased by the speed with which our Government has dealt with the issue. This is a sterling example of what can be achieved by cooperative governance. We want to thank the 29 workers for their patience and for the gracious manner in which they accepted the final offer.

Saron - A Short Overview * The former municipality of Saron currently falls within the Drakenstein Municipality;
* Since 1995 there has been much political strife in the town, which led
* to the alleged wrongful termination of the services of 29 workers of the
* Saron municipality in February 1995;
* Mr Cobus Dowry - then a Member of the National Assembly, and responsible for that area, took up the case of the workers with the Provincial Government to try to find a solution;
* The case was referred to the Industrial Court, but this court was disbanded in February 1999;
* The Provincial Government of the Western Cape made an offer in 1999 to pay the 29 workers, but this offer was rejected by the Saron municipality;
* With the establishment of the new municipal dispensation, the Drakenstein Municipality and the workers of Saron agreed to a settlement;
* By means of an ex gratia payment by the current Provincial Government of the Western Cape this matter is finally being brought to a satisfactory close for all the parties involved.

Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp, Cell: 083-778-9923
Issued by the Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government, 20 January 2003