Nkomazi, Mpumalanga – The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in Nkomazi has called for urgent intervention amid allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement at the Nkomazi Local Municipality. Union leaders have raised the alarm over the municipality’s deteriorating financial state, which has left employees and creditors unpaid and essential services in disarray.
Financial Crisis and Unpaid Workers
SAMWU representatives allege that the municipality has failed to provide transparency regarding its financial status, despite repeated requests. Workers have reportedly not received personal protective equipment (PPE) or necessary tools, while critical budgeted positions remain unfilled for years—some since employees retired or passed away.
In a December memorandum, workers highlighted the exploitation of employees forced to act in vacant positions without proper compensation, a violation of labor laws. Additionally, security personnel contracted through private companies have allegedly gone unpaid for months, prompting calls for insourcing to cut wasteful expenditure.
Corruption and Service Delivery Collapse
The union claims that excessive spending on outsourced services, particularly security contracts, is draining municipal funds. “This tender system is consuming a lot of money,” a SAMWU representative stated, demanding an end to outsourcing in favor of employing workers directly.
Service delivery in Nkomazi has reportedly collapsed, with communities suffering due to neglected infrastructure and unpaid service providers. The union has accused municipal leadership, under former administrator Mr. [Name Not Clear], of failing to address these systemic issues.
Municipal Response Awaited
As pressure mounts, SAMWU is urging immediate action from municipal officials to address workers’ grievances and restore financial stability. At the time of reporting, the Nkomazi Local Municipality had not yet responded to the allegations.
For now, frustrated workers and residents await accountability, as the financial crisis threatens to deepen without decisive intervention.
