The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in KwaZulu-Natal joins its union, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), and expresses its deep anger and outrage at the continued and unacceptable conduct of the iMpendle Local Municipality regarding the non-payment and late payment of workers’ salaries.
It is completely unacceptable that at the end of every month municipal workers in iMpendle are left uncertain about whether they will be paid or not. This situation has become a recurring crisis, reflecting a total disregard for workers’ dignity, livelihoods, and labour rights.
In December, when workers desperately needed their salaries to pay their debts, meet family responsibilities, and enjoy the festive and Christmas period with their loved ones, the municipality paid salaries extremely late, subjecting workers to unnecessary hardship and humiliation.
Now, in January, workers are once again subjected to the same suffering. As of today, they are still receiving vague promises instead of their rightful wages, despite the fact that salaries should have been paid on 23 January, as the 24th fell on a weekend.
The failure to pay salaries on time has devastating consequences for workers and their families. Workers are forced into perpetual debt, face penalties, blacklisting, and are unable to recover financially. The disruption of third-party payments, including medical aid, pension funds, and other statutory deductions, has serious short-term and long-term consequences for workers’ social and economic security.
These developments are clear warning signs of a municipality on the brink of collapse, characterised by poor governance, financial mismanagement, and lack of accountability.
COSATU KZN calls for immediate intervention by senior authorities. We will support and work closely with the union in all actions it has resolved to undertake in defence of workers.
We demand the immediate and full payment of all outstanding salaries, including all monies owed to third parties, without further delay.
Furthermore, COSATU calls for consequence management against all implicated officials responsible for this crisis. Workers must not be punished for the failures of management and political leadership.
Lastly, we demand accountability from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). This crisis has been recurring since early last year, and the department must explain what concrete interventions have been implemented to prevent its repetition, and why those measures have clearly failed.
COSATU will not tolerate the continued abuse of workers’ rights. An injury to one is an injury to all.
Issued by COSATU KwaZulu Natal
Edwin Mkhize (Provincial Secretary)
082 399 7756 / 076 522 8839