JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The SAMWU wage dispute in Johannesburg has intensified, with members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union marching through Braamfontein and picketing outside the central court over unresolved pay disparities. The prolonged standoff has severely crippled municipal service delivery across the city.
The core of the conflict stems from a historical pay disparity dating back to 1995, despite a formal wage agreement reached in 2016. Although the City of Johannesburg is categorized as a Category A (Grade 10) municipality, workers claim they are being paid at lower benchmarks, such as Grade 8, for the same services rendered in other municipalities. Meanwhile, city executives and councilors are paid according to the correct Grade 10 category. Workers are demanding that the starting salary benchmark be set at a minimum of R15,000.
To rectify this historical underpayment, the union requires R10.3 billion. Tobi, SAMU Regional Secretary, explained that the city has only paid a R1.2 billion tranche, leaving a shortfall of R9.1 billion.
“They were supposed to pay R5.2 billion by July 2026, but they came to us saying they do not have that money and now they completely want to move away from the initial agreement,” Tobi stated, noting that the union insists on honoring the original agreement rather than signing a new one. SAMU leader Port Ladyana also addressed the gathered workers, reinforcing the union’s stance on the unfulfilled financial commitments.
Frustration over the missed deadlines and a lack of engagement from city executives led to escalated protests. On Monday, workers marched onto the M1 highway near Smit Street, forcing a closure in both directions and causing massive traffic disruptions. During this action, allegations emerged that police shot at the workers, resulting in injuries.
Tobi confirmed that 16 union members were arrested during the M1 blockade, noting that 18 were initially detained before two were released, including a civilian who was merely passing by in their car. The arrested members are scheduled to appear at the Johannesburg Central Court, prompting today’s picket outside the courthouse where union leadership urged members to exercise their democratic right to vote in upcoming elections.
The ongoing strike has brought municipal services to a standstill. Water, electricity, road maintenance, and waste removal have been severely impacted. Residents in areas like Braamfontein are currently experiencing power outages, and unattended water leaks have been reported across the city. Private waste removal companies have been spotted operating in the absence of municipal workers.
The crisis unfolds against the backdrop of looming local elections and a fierce political battle for control of the city. With the municipality’s finances already constrained, residents and union members alike are waiting to see if the municipal manager can provide a viable way forward to resolve the R10.3 billion deficit and restore essential services.
