eThekwini mayor in Kwazulu Natal, Mxolisi Kaunda says negotiations with union, Samwu, have resumed in light of the municipal workers’ strike. Addressing the media in Durban, Kaunda says a memorandum was issued by the union on Monday, directing its members to return to work.
The strike started on February 27th. Kaunda says 81 employees are on precautionary suspension for misconduct, over 1 800 employees have been given notices of misconduct. A further 88 employees have been dismissed.
Kaunda also confirmed the death of a supervisor at the Cemetery and Crematoria Department in Umlazi at the weekend, attributing it to violent acts of criminality.
Despite Kaunda’s assurance that Samwu is back negotiating, community protests continue across the city.
Video: eThekwini Municipality workers continue to down tools
Thirteen eThekwini municipal workers have been granted bail of R2 000 each in the Durban Magistrate Court after appearing on charges of public violence as well as tampering with and damaging infrastructure.
It is alleged they blocked roads with rocks and rubbish and burned tyres and bins.
The strike has crippled the city, delaying water, electricity and refuse collection.
“The group appeared on charges of public violence, and tampering, damaging, or destroying essential infrastructure. The charges relate to an incident that occurred on 04 March 2024, where they allegedly blocked the road with rocks and rubbish and burned tyres and bins. The state is also alleging that they damaged municipal bins and DSW fencing. Bail was set at R 2000 each, and the case was remanded to 10 May 2024, for further investigation,” says Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, NPA Spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal.
