As the MMC for Community Safety, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the work of the Emergency Services Department (ESD) and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) who are continuing with their duties despite challenges posed by the ongoing illegal strike.
Both departments have been instrumental in ensuring that the City continues to deliver services during this difficult period. They have escorted teams as they deliver services by providing security and they have also attended to protest actions in an effort to protect City assets.
The striking workers have also forced the closure of some of our fire stations, but our brave firefighters have remained on duty and have relocated their resources to other stations to ensure their availability and response to emergencies.
Equally, many TMPD members have been asked to square off with their striking City of Tshwane colleagues to keep service delivery going, albeit at a slower pace. They have often been asked to protect working colleagues, their vehicles, tools and offices.
This is not an easy task, and I acknowledge the dedication with which many of them have put themselves at risk during the past two weeks.
These are the type of employees that will help this City through the current rough patch and into better times.