Workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) have warned they may go on strike if the Jozini Local Municipality fails to pay their June salaries by the first week of July.
The IFP-led municipality, facing severe financial strain, has blamed cash-flow problems and past mismanagement for the delayed salaries. Officials also claim that government institutions owe the municipality approximately R17 million, exacerbating the crisis.
Workers Reject Municipality’s Justifications
SAMWU representatives expressed frustration over the sudden notice given to employees, who only learned on Monday that they would not receive their salaries on time. The union argues that the delay places an unfair burden on workers, many of whom rely on their wages to cover essential expenses.
“The feeling on the ground is very bad,” said a SAMWU representative during an interview. “We have bills to pay, families to take care of, and yet we are expected to come to work without being paid. We do not accept the municipality’s excuses.”
Workers were reportedly given letters to present to creditors and financial institutions, but the union dismissed these as insufficient, stating that employees needed earlier notice to make alternative arrangements.
Political Turmoil and Financial Mismanagement
The salary delays come amid ongoing instability in the municipality. Last month, the IFP recalled the former mayor, who was accused of financial mismanagement. The newly appointed mayor has pledged to assess and rectify the situation, but workers remain skeptical.
SAMWU has confirmed that it is in discussions with municipal management but insists that employees will not tolerate prolonged non-payment. “We have honored our contracts, but the employer has not,” the union representative stated.
Strike Action Looms
If salaries are not paid by early July, SAMWU says it will have no choice but to initiate strike action, which could disrupt municipal services in Jozini. The union has called for urgent intervention to resolve the crisis, emphasizing that workers cannot be expected to work indefinitely without compensation.
The Jozini Local Municipality has yet to provide a concrete timeline for salary payments, leaving employees in financial limbo as the deadline approaches.
