ActionSA’s lies continue to undermine multi-party unity in Tshwane

5 October 2023

The DA Tshwane Caucus notes with concern the statements made by ActionSA, claiming that they were unaware of the 0% salary increase for Tshwane employees despite their Councillors voting in favour of the budget. This is a striking admission of incompetence or, more likely, an outright lie - a u-turn for cheap political point scoring that, in the long term, could bankrupt the City of Tshwane.

The ActionSA in Tshwane is well aware of the city's precarious financial situation and the limited options available for rectification. ActionSA’s members in the Mayoral Committee as well as their participation in the Budget Steering Committee highlight their active involvement, not only in approving the budget but also in the process of drafting it.

The budget steering committee, with National Treasury's assistance, devised a budget revealing a substantial funding gap of R3 billion, termed an "unfunded budget." To address this gap over the next three years, a funding plan was formulated. Both the budget and funding plan were adopted by the Municipal Council in June. Crucially, the budget report explicitly indicated that the city did not allocate funds for salary increases for employees and councillors.

To eliminate any ambiguity, a municipal council resolution instructed the city manager to invoke a clause in the wage agreement that permits the city to seek exemption from the increases. Contrary to ActionSA’s recent claims, the evidence indicates that:

ActionSA was fully aware of what it supported when endorsing Tshwane's budget, including the 0% increase for employees and councillors.

ActionSA now appears to be attempting to gain political advantage from the service disruptions resulting from the unprotected strike and the associated violence and criminal activity.

ActionSA is seeking to compel the Tshwane multi-party Coalition to negotiate salary increases that the city cannot afford and did not budget for.

ActionSA's opportunistic and dishonest behaviour risks emboldening the criminal elements within SAMWU that are fueling the campaign of violence against the city. Rather than serving as a voice of reason that seem to be guided by political expediency instead of principles.

In contrast to claims made by ActionSA's national leadership, none of whom reside in Tshwane, the Mayor and the City Manager have not declined talks with trade unions. They have made it clear that negotiations are not an alternative to the court process initiated by the city. We must also mention that in reality, the city is not in violation of the bargaining council agreement, the city is appropriately utilising a clause in the agreement by applying for exemption, as mandated by a council resolution supported by ActionSA.

Governing in a financially constrained environment demands resilience and resolute decision-making. Residents of Tshwane expect their government to demonstrate steadfastness in the face of adversity. Now, more than ever, coalition unity is imperative.

The future of the capital city and the credibility of coalitions as an alternative to the ANC's legacy of mismanagement and failure are at stake. The DA therefore committed to the multi-party Government.

Issued by Kwena Moloto, DA Tshwane Spokesperson, 5 October 2023