Members of the municipal workers’ union Samwu took part in the march as the union called on municipal leadership and senior officials to address grievances affecting workers across the Free State. These include unpaid salaries, workplace safety concerns and deductions allegedly not being paid to third parties.

Workers in several municipalities are experiencing similar problems, including deductions for services such as pension funds and medical aid that are allegedly not reaching the intended institutions, Samwu deputy secretary-general Sam Lekhuleni said. Masilonyana and Mantsopa are among the municipalities where these problems have reportedly persisted for extended periods.

“Among the issues we are raising, is the non-payment of salaries in Mafube local municipality, the situation at Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality and MAP Water, and other municipalities in the province that are not complying with the main collective agreement we signed at central and divisional level.” 

Samwu members marched in Phuthaditjhaba. Photo supplied

Other grievances include inadequate workplace safety measures and shortages of protective clothing. The union is also concerned about what it describes as the victimisation of workers, particularly shop stewards, some of whom have been suspended or charged, while others have allegedly lost their jobs, said Lekhuleni.

Samwu has previously tried to resolve the disputes through political and government structures, including the ANC, Cosatu and the provincial department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs. Those interventions have not produced satisfactory solutions for affected workers, according to Lekhuleni.

The union also criticised the conduct of Maluti-a-Phofung’s municipal management. Workers want officials to account for the grievances raised and ensure that collective agreements and labour rights are respected.

The protest comes as Maluti-a-Phofung continues to deal with broader governance and service-delivery pressures. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about water and electricity shortages, deteriorating roads and other basic municipal services.

The municipality’s political leadership recently changed after councillors passed a motion of no confidence against former mayor Malekula Melato. Former council speaker Tumelo Thebe subsequently took over as mayor.

Samwu members during the march in Phuthaditjhaba. Photo supplied

Thebe has committed to addressing some of the municipality’s most pressing problems, particularly unreliable water and electricity supply. Communities are also demanding improvements to roads and other infrastructure as the municipality works to stabilise service delivery.

For Samwu, however, the immediate concern remains the treatment of municipal employees. Workers want outstanding salaries and third-party deductions resolved, safer working conditions provided and what the union describes as victimisation brought to an end.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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