The MEC for the Department of Co-Operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in Gauteng, Mzi Khumalo has called for the resolution of the wage impasse in the City of Tshwane.
Service delivery in the metro has stalled since July, when some members allegedly affiliated to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) embarked on an unprotected wage strike.
Workers have also allegedly intimidated their non-striking colleagues, and caused damage to property which includes torching of vehicles and buildings.
As a result, some calls have been made for the municipality to be placed under administration.
MEC Khumalo says he views the impasse in a serious light and has appealed to the executive council to resolve the dispute or face intervention.
Spokesperson for the CoGTA MEC, Kgapa Mabusela: “In the prevailing circumstances, MEC Khumalo appeals to the Executive of Council to put the interest of the residents of Tshwane first and take the necessary steps to resolve the dispute expeditiously. The MEC will explore options/ avenues available to intervene decisively should the city fail to resolve this dispute. We urge all parties in Council to at all times act in the best interest of the citizens of the City.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane has rejected calls for a political solution to address the ongoing illegal strike in the city.
DA Tshwane Caucus spokesperson, Kwena Moloto says the illegal strike by SAMWU affiliated workers has now escalated to criminality.
“This surge of criminality does not require political mediation, it demands the immediate intervention of the South African Police Service to apprehend individuals committing illegal acts within our city. Numerous trucks have been torched , employees have been shot. What will it take for SAPS to intervene?”
Tshwane bus services withdrawn as attacks on city workers continue:
