Workers belonging to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in Makana have refused to clean up garbage left by festival street traders in Church Square. The strike which is already in its second week has left large parts of town in disarray, with rubbish and refuse strewn on the streets and pavements.
Workers belonging to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in Makana have refused to clean up garbage left by festival street traders in Church Square. The strike which is already in its second week has left large parts of town in disarray, with rubbish and refuse strewn on the streets and pavements.
Church Square and the part of High Street in front of City Hall have been most severely affected by the strike. In an endeavour to restore the cleanliness of the town, the South African Police Services (SAPS) together with Makana Tourism, decided to tidy up the streets.
Members of Grahamstown SAPS joined together with members of the local community to clean up the centre of town. Meanwhile striking workers were chanting while the clean-up operation was taking place. No reports of violence or intimidation have been reported.
On Wednesday casual workers will continue the clean-up operation with a visible police presence, as volunteers had previously been threatened.
Some members have also said that they will use their lunch breaks tomorrow to support the clean-up endeavour.
