As soon as it was confirmed that the dispute between the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) was resolved on Wednesday, clearing up the
rubbish began.
As soon as it was confirmed that the dispute between the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) was resolved on Wednesday, clearing up the
rubbish began.
Municipal spokesperson, Thandy Matebese says that since the Samwu strike was called off on Wednesday, some workers had returned to work soon after and the “full strength of the municipality” was back on track on Thursday this week.
He added that not all departments were affected by the strike and therefore municipal services would continue as usual. In terms of the backlog of refuse collection, the refuse collectors would start yesterday as per their regular schedules.
A municipal strike briefing was called on Wednesday at the City Hall’s Council Chamber. Grocott’s Mail and a few Grahamstown residents attended the briefing. However, they were informed that the briefing was a closed meeting.
When two residents were prevented from attending, Grocott’s Mail reporters overheard one of the residents saying, “Why can’t I be here, I’m a ratepayer?” The other said “What secrets are you hiding?”
According to Matebese, the briefing was intended for municipal councillors and municipality management so the media and members of the public had not been formally invited.
“The municipality is not in position of briefing what agreement was reached between the two parties [Samwu and Salga],” he said. However, Matebese said that the public would receive a strike briefing from the municipality through print and broadcast media.
The plan to address future strikes will be reviewed, as they have to look at various factors, such as being cautious about employing temporary workers during strikes as they could be endangered.
“Disciplinary action will also be taken for those that participated in the damaging of property and throwing of litter during the strike.”
Matebese says the municipality has also implemented a plan to clean up the streets. “We will be using the people within our departments as well as casuals.
We have the adequate personnel to deal with the matter as well as members of the community that have assisted us with the cleaning of their areas and therefore minimising the impacts of the strike.”
Another issue during the briefing was to address their appreciation of residents in terms of their patience during the strike.
Matebese said there was nothing they could do, as the negotiations were handled by Salga’s national office.
According to Matebese, the main challenges that the municipality encountered due to the strike has been the cancellation of the Makana Freedom Festival as well as the challenge of people being prohibited from using municipal services, such as booking the City Hall, as the entrance was covered with rubbish.
