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The strike was canceled after the Sol Plaatje Municipality decided to hire the initial group of 125 temporary workers starting December 1, following multiple days of intense demonstrations.
Employees became angry upon learning that some workers had received permanent appointment letters and salary increments, while many others had been working as temporary laborers for over 15 years.
They gathered at the Kimberley City Hall on Monday and marched toward the Sol Plaatje municipal offices, leaving heaps of trash scattered along the streets behind them.
Employees were urged to utilize their work equipment – such as tires and diesel – while management delayed in responding to their concerns. They were barred from entering the council building, which was closely monitored by law enforcement.
Union members from the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) and the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) condemned the "forceful" tactics used by the SAPS, who deployed stun grenades and rubber bullets as workers tried to ignite tires.
They also called for the dismissal of the Samwu leadership and every shop steward, labeling them "traitors."
Unions threaten walkout
Union representatives warned of walking out of a special Local Labour Forum (LLF) meeting on Tuesday after the chief financial officer presented information and an initial proposal was introduced to include 44 employees over the age of 55 in the first stage.
Employees, on the other hand, stood outside the city hall from 8 a.m. until approximately 6 p.m. on November 11, hoping to learn the results of the discussions.
A protest was organized during an LLF meeting last week as the municipality tried to outline its financial situation.
Unions called for the permanent hiring of all 497 temporary employees starting June 1, in accordance with a council decision. It was mentioned that two employees had passed away while awaiting permanent positions.
They also mentioned that suspended city manager Thapelo Matlala had informed them that money had been obtained from the Treasury to assist with the integration process.
‘Wildcat strike’
The local chairperson of Samwu, Ronnie Morwe, mentioned that it was decided that 125 employees would be integrated starting December 1, with 117 joining in March 2026 and the final group in 2027.
Employees who have served the longest will be prioritized for permanent employment. We contended that there should be resources allocated for integration, and that the municipality may request support from the National Treasury when needed to carry out the council's decision.
He mentioned that members ignored the leadership's guidance and initiated a "wildcat strike" contrary to the union's recommendations.
We cautioned members that they would not be safeguarded and might put themselves at risk if they acted recklessly. By the time they chose to proceed with the unlawful march, there was nothing left for us to do. The union aimed to start picketing this week, not launch a complete strike.
Morwe informed members that the leadership had been chosen through a democratic process.
If they wish for someone to be removed, they should advocate through the correct procedures. We cannot permit chaos to take over.
Services resume
The spokesperson for Sol Plaatje Municipality, Thabo Mothibi, stated that waste collection restarted on Wednesday, November 12, and that there would be no additional pickups during the weekend.
"Individuals impacted by the non-collection are asked to retain their waste within their premises for pickup according to the schedule next week," he stated.
Inquiries regarding the origin of funds needed to support the workers and the associated financial burden on the local authority remained unanswered.
‘Power to the people’
The provincial secretary of Samwu, Pieter Demas, criticized the police's reaction and the detention of a worker at the demonstration.
Individuals were peacefully protesting and seeking fairness. We strongly criticize the police violence observed on Monday. We stand solidly with our member, who was harmed by those entrusted with protection. We call on the South African Police Service to fully and promptly accept responsibility for its unjust attack on an innocent city employee.
He mentioned that their legal team had stepped in to get the worker released with a caution.
Our conflict was based on the idea of respect. Individuals looked for responses on Monday morning, but their valid demonstration was not met with discussion, but with violent action, leading to the unacceptable detention of one of our fellow members.
Demas stated that, in a significant development, discussions involving Sol Plaatje executive mayor Martha Bartlett, management, Samwu, and Imatu on Tuesday afternoon resulted in advancement.
We will carefully track the agreement to incorporate 497 employees who have shown long-term commitment. The Human Resources sub-committee has been asked to confirm the list of impacted workers to make sure each contract employee gets the fairness they deserve.
"This result highlights the bravery and unity of the municipal employees from Sol Plaatje. We struggled, and we succeeded!" Demas stated.
The South African Police Service did not reply to media inquiries.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Sandi Kwon HooProvided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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