SAMWU calls on political parties in Tshwane to act in the best interest of workers and residents

30 April 2020

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has noted the Gauteng North High Court  outcome on the matter between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Premier for Gauteng Province. The matter was lodged with the court after the Gauteng Provincial Executive took a decision to dissolve Municipal Council of the City of Tshwane on 10 March 2020

In their order, Judges D Mlambo S Potteril and N Ranchod delivered the following outcome:

- That the decision taken to dissolve the city 04 march 2020 and communicated to applicant on 10 March 2020 is declared invalid and set aside

- In the meantime the administrator shall be entitled to exercise powers conferred by MEC until after 5 days post stage 5 lockdown.

SAMWU as a revolutionary Trade Union respects and abides by the Court outcome. We however believe that this court outcome will not resolve political challenges in the City that ultimately led to the dissolution of Municipal Council. 

Our view is that political challenges in the City can only be resolved through a political solution. As an when the order will be taking effect, the City will still be without Executive Mayor, Mayoral Committee and City Manager. 

The impasse between political parties will remain and it is our firm believe that the battle between the Speaker, ANC and EFF on ordering of agenda items might continue or maybe amplified as experience has shown us. 

As and all this political wrestling will be happening, workers and residents of the City will be the ones hardest hit. The City will remain leaderless with no Executive arm and no accounting officer.  One third of the City of Tshwane workers coming back to work on 4th of May 2020 will arrive at a City with no leadership to take decisions. Amongst challenges workers will face are the following

1.    Treasury has not yet granted permission for finalization of adjustment budget outside compliance period.

2.    Whether monies due to workers will be paid by July 2020

3.    The City will not be in a position to process appointment of staff especially those of essential services employees

4.    City of Tshwane will not be represented in a meeting of  President, Premiers and Executive Mayors on COVID 19 issues

5.    Procurement of specialized PPE for COVID 19 will be a challenge

SAMWU therefore plead with all political parties to show leadership and elevate interest of Tshwane residents above themselves. 

We also call on the MEC for COGTA to continue engaging Tshwane Municipal Council in search of a lasting solutions. Continuous political fights may lead to service delivery challenges at a time when our residents need them more than before during this trying times.

Issued by Mpho Tladinyane, Regional Secretary, SAMWU Tshwane Region, 30 April 2020