Members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) have taken to the streets of Tshwane in protest, demanding the implementation of long-overdue salary increases and the reinstatement of workers dismissed in 2021 following a wage dispute.
The City of Tshwane has refused to honor a bargaining council agreement that stipulated salary increases of 3.5% for 2021 and 5.4% for 2023, despite its failed bid for exemption. SAMWU’s regional chairperson, Lehlohonolo Maphatsoe, accused the previous DA-led administration of “arrogance and uncaring” behavior for failing to implement the agreed-upon hikes.
A Years-Long Battle
Maphatsoe explained that the dispute dates back to 2021 when SAMWU and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) reached an agreement on wage adjustments. However, the city sought exemption from the increases, a request later rejected by the bargaining council. The matter was taken to the Labour Court, but no resolution was reached.
When a new coalition government—comprising ActionSA, the ANC, and the EFF—took office, SAMWU was assured that the increases would be honored. However, after multiple meetings facilitated by the CCMA, the administration reportedly reneged on its promise.
Workers Issue Ultimatum
Frustrated by the delays, SAMWU members have now staged a protest, submitting a memorandum demanding the city comply within seven days. “If they fail to honor the 3.5% and 5.4%, we will have no choice but to escalate to industrial action,” Maphatsoe warned.
The city has committed to responding by Friday, but SAMWU remains skeptical, given years of unfulfilled promises. The union has also demanded the reinstatement of workers dismissed during the 2021 wage dispute.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the City of Tshwane’s next move—will it finally meet workers’ demands, or will the standoff escalate further?
