Workers affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU), and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) marched to the Nkomazi Local Municipality offices yesterday, demanding full payment of outstanding salaries and a forensic investigation into alleged corruption.
The protest follows an ongoing unprotected strike that began last Tuesday after workers received only their basic salaries on payday, with overtime, standby shifts, and travel claims remaining unpaid. The municipality has cited financial constraints, stating it cannot process the additional payments until the new financial year.
Workers Left in Financial Distress
Union leaders argue that the municipality failed to provide timely notice about the payment delays, leaving workers unable to meet financial obligations such as bond repayments and car installments.
“We rely on that extra money to survive,” said one worker. “The municipality should have warned us so we could prepare.”
Calls for Forensic Investigation
Cosatu has joined SAMWU and IMATU in demanding not only full payment but also a forensic audit into the municipality’s financial management. Union representatives allege mismanagement of funds and are calling for accountability.
“Workers are not the only ones suffering—residents are too,” said a union spokesperson. “If leaders mismanaged funds, they must answer for it.”
Service Delivery Collapses Amid Strike
The strike has severely impacted municipal services, with water treatment plants and pump stations left unmanned. Residents now face long queues at streams and water collection points as clean water supply dwindles.
Municipal officials have labeled the strike illegal but have yet to resolve the payment dispute. Workers were reportedly promised their outstanding dues by July 4, but uncertainty remains.
As the march proceeds, protesters are expected to submit a memorandum of grievances to municipal management. Meanwhile, negotiations continue, with no resolution in sight.
