The City of Tshwane has declared an end to the debilitating three-month-long strike that brought municipal services to a standstill.
This marks a significant relief for the community.
Customer Care walk-in centers and clinics have also resumed services, addressing the community’s urgent needs.
Selby Bokaba, the city’s spokesperson, said on Friday: “All the employees are back at work executing their duties.
“Basic service delivery has returned to normal, and most backlogs have been cleared.
“Services such as waste collection, electricity and water outages, including fixing leaks, which were severely impacted by the strike action have gradually returned to normality.”
Strike action triggers
A 5.4% wage increase that was not implemented by the city triggered the strike, with workers vowing not to return to work until they received their increases.
Workers affiliated to trade unions SAMWU and IMATU have been on a wage strike since end of July. This has collapsed services across the city of Tshwane.
City Manager Johann Mettler expressed relief as the strike concluded, recognising the difficulties faced during this tumultuous period.
Mettler emphasised the city’s dedication to a catch-up plan aimed at addressing backlogs and reinstating normalcy to essential services.
“We are relieved that the strike, marred by violence, intimidation, and destruction of municipal property, is finally over.
“The city is gradually rediscovering its mojo and is living its motto of ‘Igniting Excellence.’
“We are building a city that works for all its people,” he said.
Political battle for the city continues
Bokaba has confirmed that the city is engaging with labour unions IMATU and SAMWU regarding the salary increase dispute, with the help of CCMA.
He said the discussions are progressing well.
“The city wishes to apologise to its residents and customers for the inconvenience caused during the unprecedented and violent strike,” he said.
