26 January 2024
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State fully supports the legal strike action which is scheduled by the federation’s affiliate, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union(SAMWU) in Matjhabeng Municipality, on the 29th of January 2024.
COSATU is aware of the painfully long and unfortunately, fruitless journey undertaken by SAMWU at local and provincial level in attempts to resolve the countless festering challenges at that municipality.
The Matjhabeng Executive Mayor, Councillor Thanduxolo Khalipa has reportedly usurped the administrative powers of management and now literally runs the municipality. In the process, the legislation and policies are subjugated to his wishes and whims. All this is done whilst he enjoys undue recognition of being the best mayor in the province. This title is given despite the numerous complaints of the National Council of Provinces(NCOP) about the state of the municipality.
This matter was raised with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in the previous memorandum of demands. To date, there has not been any progress. Instead, what followed was the side issue of the unlawful suspension of shopstewards, which was an unsuccessful retaliation stunt by the municipality.
The Federations will not allow the subjection of workers to unsafe conditions where regulations are undermined to benefit an individual! Sequential to the municipality’s refusal to find a workable solution, we have also began mobilizing our Affiliates to be part of the program.
COSATU Free State through its Affiliates, will be joining the march that will take place on 29 January 2024 starting at 08H30 at the Eriksen Circle, opposite SASSA offices in Welkom, with the intention to deliver a memorandum of demands to the MEC of COGTA, Honourable Ketso Makume.
Should there be no positive responses after the stipulated period, a program of action will be implemented.
The struggle continues!
Issued by COSATU Free State
For more information, please contact:
Monyatso Mahlatsi(Provincial Secretary)
Cell:076 115 9923 or Tel: 051 447 5499