Media statement
Cllr Cilliers Brink
Executive Mayor of Tshwane
22 August 2023
Five weeks into the unprotected and violent strike action by SAMWU, the union has finally called on its members to return to work. While the City notes this development, the call to return to work has come too late as the damage is done. Our residents have suffered numerous service delivery interruptions.
Furthermore, the reality is that on the ground the strike is not over. We are still seeing so-called go-slows and significant work stoppages by employees who still refuse to follow work instructions. There are also ongoing acts of violence and intimidation directed at staff and service providers.
Taking the current circumstances into account, I would like to encourage SAMWU leadership to further engage their members to ensure that the no strike message is clear for all.
To our residents, this five-week unprotected strike action has caused significant difficulties for the City. We have seen employees being shot for carrying out their duties, service providers being attacked, property being destroyed and in a recent incident a fire hydrant was blocked with cement so that firefighters could not execute their work of saving City assets and properties.
The damage is so severe to the point that even if there is a complete return to work, there are costs associated with this unprotected strike that the City will have to bear for a significant period of time.
We have also seen the trust relationship between residents and the City deteriorating with services not being delivered.
However, I want to thank residents who have been patient and who have not broken the law, but who continued to meet their obligations. I am encouraged by those of us who uphold the rule of law and who believe in the Constitution and in the city that we are working to build for all its people.
I promise you that I will continue to fight for a city where the rule of law is upheld and where there are consequences for criminal conduct.
Media enquiries: Sipho Stuurman (siphost@tshwane.gov.za)