The union in the Lejweleputswa region alleges a toxic work environment has left workers feeling victimised and unprotected at the Welkom-based municipality. It said it’s driven by political interference and inconsistent disciplinary procedures. 

The political meddling in administrative processes has created perceptions of bias, favouritism and discrimination within the municipality, said Samwu regional secretary Shwani Mohale. Such inconsistencies undermine management’s legitimacy and erode trust among employees, he added.

The union has submitted several letters to Matjhabeng speaker Bheki Stofile and acting municipal managers outlining these concerns, but has received no response, said Mohale.

“Samwu submitted multiple letters highlighting these critical issues, but the municipality has neglected to respond to all correspondence.”

He accused the municipality of undermining the local labour forum (LLF), a platform intended for engagement between labour and the employer. In Matjhabeng, he said, LLF meetings are frequently ineffective due to the consistent absence of the employer component, leaving workers’ concerns unresolved.

Central to the dispute is the alleged failure by council leadership to enforce the code of conduct against Khalipha. Mohale said Khalipha assaulted employees, in contravention of the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) and the Municipal Structures Act, which classify assaulting or threatening officials as a serious breach.

The matter also drew political attention within the ANC. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had requested the Free State provincial leadership to reinstate Khalipha was on a step aside in an assault case involving his bodyguards.

Due to divisions within party structures, the issue was escalated to the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC). The Ward 19 branch executive committee in Matjhabeng wrote to Mbalula calling for the reversal of the reinstatement decision.

Matjhabeng was placed under Section 139(5) intervention, which empowers a provincial executive to step in when a municipality faces a financial crisis and fails to meet its obligations. Against this backdrop, Mohale alleged Khalipha has convened early morning and late-night meetings where officials are subjected to humiliation.

He claimed senior managers, including two executive directors of Infrastructure, have resigned under pressure in four years. Allegations also include verbal aggression toward staff in the local economic development and waste management departments, with claims that some employees required hospitalisation.

Samwu has since called for the suspension of Khalipha and other implicated officials, the urgent resumption of LLF meetings, and intervention by Free State Cogta MEC Saki Mokoena and exco representative Makalo Mohale.

The union has also informed acting municipal manager Thabo Panayani its members will not attend meetings until alleged victimisation is addressed.

OFM News has sent an inquiry to the Matjhabeng municipality for comment.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi