As COSATU Free State we are shocked but not surprised by the developments in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM).
We have been informed that there are about 120 new employees, who have been appointed without following recruitment processes in the Municipality. That action seems to have triggered events which led to the trashing and damaging of the Municipal offices in Bloemfontein.
We are informed by our members in MMM that they did not see any adverts in circulation, and that no indication of interviews being held, but the new employees pitched for work on that fateful day!
We are surprised by the move knowing that the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) have been struggling to pay salaries and benefits lately.
We would like to put it on record that as the Federation we support any attempt and effort to create more employment by any institution, company, or individual within the parameters of the law, considering that unemployment has become a crisis.
We do not take kindly to people who take advantage of the plight of our people on joblessness and create expectations through undermining processes in the State. We know for the fact that there are many vacant positions across Municipalities. Some Municipalities have even resorted to exploiting the EPWP and CWP workers as ‘cheap labour.’ Those positions should be advertised publicly and all eligible should be afforded an opportunity to contest should they wish and be able to do so fairly.
We are however opposed to employment practices that are not transparent and exclude others unfairly. That fact that there were no adverts it means other qualifying persons did not get the opportunity to also compete for those positions, that makes the process unfair as it will come to the knowledge of the connected few.
On the same breath we do not condone damaging state property under any condition and call upon our community members to desist from such even at the height of provocations like the one in question!
We support and call for peaceful campaigns and protests!
At the same time, we condemn the behaviour and conduct of MMM in this instance, as it has the potential to divide the workers and the working class.
We are just disappointed that this happens under the guard of the deployees of our Movement in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM). There is however a need to get to the bottom of this whole matter.
As the Federation we hereby call for investigation into this appointment. We would be writing to the Public Protector and the Special Investigations Unit to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency.
Issued by COSATU Free State
Enquiries: Monyatso oa Mahlatsi
COSATU Free State Provincial Secretary
Mobile: 076 115 9923
Tel: 051 447 5499