This comes after the Mayor of Matjhabeng, political heads, municipal management and two unions - SAMWU and IMATU - engaged in robust talks on Monday. The meeting was convened by Matjhabeng Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha, and Municipal Management said the agenda was to establish new working plans and programmes of action under the new administration of the Matjhabeng Municipality.

Speaking to OFM News, Msebenzi Dikana, a superior at Water and Sanitation, said he speaks as a member of the worker's union and employees when he says that the mayor failed to answer some of the grievances they raised. He said these relate to a lack of resources to cover their duties and the fact that the mayor has decided to cut overtime compensation for workers. He added they surprisingly found out there's a plan to replace municipal workers with EPWP workers, who are now working on weekends.

He further stated that they have a feeling that the mayor wants to control the workers through intimidation and fear. He alleged the mayor used unsavoury words in one of his interviews with the public broadcaster.

OFM News sent questions to the Matjhabeng spokesperson, who said he could not respond, instead saying unions are the ones that should answer after the fallout of the meeting which ended with workers chanting struggle songs. The mayor and his team had to vacate the meeting.

The workers have vowed to shut down all services. They aim to picket at the Matjhabeng offices.

OFM News/Ike Mosia