‘We’re forced to take our rubbish to dumping sites,’ lament Tshwane residents

August 22, 2023 93

As the unprotected strike by City of Tshwane workers rages on, residents say they are forced to bear the brunt of the impasse.

In some parts of the capital, community members say the strike has forced them to either live in unsanitary conditions or collect the rubbish and take it to dumping sites.

They say municipal workers are also refusing to attend to sewages leaks, electrical faults and burst water pipes in the CBD and in townships.

The greater Tshwane has not been spared, as residents say they are also forced to go days on end without water and electricity.

Workers, affiliated to the South African Workers Union (SAMWU), have been on strike for a month now.

They are demanding a 5.4% salary increase.

The City’s bid to secure an interdict was dismissed by the Labour Court on Sunday.

Despite this, however, the City’s acting Head of Communication, Selby Bokaba, says the one the city obtained last month remains intact.

The City has so far dismissed 100 municipal workers for their involvement in the unprotected strike and has raised concerns about the safety of the workers who are not participating amid reports of intimidation.

Tshwane Mayor, Cillier Brink, says the unprotected strike is costing the capital dearly, and there is simply no money to meet the workers’ demands.