The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) demands urgent intervention by the Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in the ongoing conflict in Tshwane Municipality that is in serious danger of getting out of hand if left to in the hands of a leadership of the Council that is clearly out of its depth.

Municipal workers are aggrieved that not only has the Municipality pickpocketed them of their duly signed wage increases of 3.7% in 2021 and 5.9% in 2023 but is now reported to be embarking on a mass intimidation and victimisation campaign with over 50 municipal workers already dismissed. 

This callous approach to its poorly paid employees is seeing these municipal cleaners, refuse collectors, traffic officers and other municipal workers plunged into absolute poverty.  The Municipality will not be able to achieve its developmental mandate by treating its workers like glorified slaves.  Neither is presiding over modern day show trials and dismissing workers en masse for simply being aggrieved at being pickpocketed.

COSATU’s dedicated affiliate, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU), has been working on the ground to resolve this dangerous impasse.  The Municipality has refused to engage in good faith and has instead spent its time seeking court interdicts.

The Federation fears that this situation is now on the precipice of spiralling out of control.  It is time that the Minister for COGTA and the leadership of SALGA intervene to resolve this impasse and ensure that this recalcitrant Municipality upholds agreed upon SALGA settlements.  If they fail to do so, they are provoking labour market unrest that society cannot afford.  The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration needs to be enlisted to facilitate these engagements.

Issued by COSATU