Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Maxie Badenhorst.
The Matjhabeng Local Municipality is currently facing a critical situation as the ongoing strike by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) enters its third week, causing widespread service delivery disruption and hardship for residents.
Since 29 January 2024, the strike has led to severe shortages of water and electricity, leaving residents without essential services for days on end. Sewerage problems have escalated, with sewage flowing freely down the streets in some areas, posing a serious health risk to the community.
Refuse collection has been severely impacted, leading to waste piling up in the streets, attracting vermin and emitting unbearable odours. Furthermore, residents who rely on printed account statements are unable to access them as municipal offices remain closed due to the strike.
Despite efforts by DA councillors to provide feedback and address urgent issues, key municipal officials, including the Municipal Manager, have been largely unavailable. Directors and managers are deflecting inquiries, exacerbating the lack of communication and coordination within the municipality.
The situation has forced some councillors to mobilize community resources to restore essential services. In Hennenman, for example, resident Christoff Botha provided equipment to clear vegetation obstructing power lines, while willing workers and volunteers stepped in to assist with clean-up efforts.
However, challenges persist as workers face threats from striking colleagues and limited access to essential materials and vehicles due to security concerns. The strike has also led to incidents of infrastructure sabotage and vandalism, further complicating efforts to resolve the crisis.
Amidst this turmoil, the municipality obtained an interdict to compel workers to return to work, but SAMWU maintains that the strike is legal and refuses to back down until their demands are met. Negotiations between the parties have yet to yield any positive outcome, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty and distress.
One of the primary demands of the striking workers is the resignation of Mayor Kalipha, who has faced criticism for disrespecting workers and interfering in the administration of the Municipality. His absence during the crisis, including his decision to travel to Cape Town for the State of the Nation Address is a clear indication that he has no interest in resolving the crisis in his own Municipality.
The Democratic Alliance urges all parties to prioritize the well-being of the community and engage in constructive dialogue to find a swift and equitable resolution to the current impasse. We will also engage the MEC CoGTA to urgently intervene in resolving the disputes between the workers and the Municipality.