Employees of the Ratlou Local Municipality near Mahikeng have begun strike action today, protesting a range of unresolved issues, including the non-recognition of their trade union, unfair recruitment practices, and the irregular appointment of acting officials without proper procedures.
Workers, supported by unions SAMWU and IMATU, gathered outside the municipal offices in Setlagole, chanting slogans and holding placards demanding fair labor practices and transparency. Among their key concerns is the alleged bloated municipal staff structure, which they claim consumes 60% of the operational budget—a violation of Treasury guidelines.
Key Grievances
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Unrecognized Unions: Workers allege that the municipality refuses to engage with labor representatives in decision-making processes.
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Unfair Appointments: Senior managers have reportedly been appointed without proper recruitment processes or concurrence from the provincial MEC.
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Nepotism & Corruption: Unions accuse municipal leadership, including the newly appointed Municipal Manager Lloyd Leoko, of favoring friends and family in hiring, as well as financial mismanagement.
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Lack of Qualifications: Questions remain over the credentials of certain officials, including Leoko, whose appointment last year was already controversial.
Workers Demand Action
Union representatives called for a forensic investigation into municipal finances and lifestyle audits for senior officials. “There is great disrespect in this municipality—disrespect for workers and the law,” said a SAMWU representative.
Despite the protest, workers clarified they do not intend to disrupt services indefinitely. A memorandum will be handed over, giving the municipality seven days to respond before further action is taken.
Municipal Response Pending
Municipal Manager Lloyd Leoko arrived during the protest but has not yet publicly addressed the allegations.
The Ratlou Municipality has faced previous scandals, including the questionable purchase of 22 laptops for managers at nearly R1 million. With service delivery already strained, this strike adds pressure on local authorities to address workers’ demands swiftly.
