Note to editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Chris Dalton, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Linda Louwrens and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr David Nzunga.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka has formally submitted questions to the Municipal Manager to request a full investigation into the alleged mistreatment and exploitation of 20 workers initially engaged as volunteers in Nyakalong during the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure transparency, accountability and justice for those affected.
The DA is deeply concerned by reports that these individuals, who began as volunteers assisting homeless residents during the pandemic, were subsequently paid a stipend of R190 per day for four years while performing various roles, including healthcare support, community assistance, gardening, cleaning and disaster management functions, without proper training, counselling or job security.
These workers were reportedly exposed to traumatic situations and health risks, yet despite being promised permanent employment, they remained in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
The extended use of individuals as “volunteers”, coupled with the continued payment of stipends over several years, raises serious concerns about potential exploitation, non-compliance with labour legislation and the possible misuse of municipal funds. When vulnerable workers are kept in insecure positions for years, it not only affects their livelihoods and mental well-being but also undermines fair labour practices within the municipality and erodes public trust.
As part of our ongoing oversight responsibility, I have received allegations regarding the treatment and subsequent deployment of these workers after the peak of the pandemic. Reports indicate they were transferred to disaster management and tasked with fumigation duties, roadblock deployments, and general work, such as gardening and cleaning.
In terms of the Standing Rules and Orders, the DA will request clarity on the following:
- Confirmation as to whether the 20 workers initially deployed in Nyakalong during the COVID-19 pandemic were formally transferred to disaster management, including full details of their roles, dates of deployment and specific responsibilities.
- Details of the training, psychological support and counselling provided to these workers, particularly given their reported exposure to trauma and death, as well as confirmation that they received adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and appropriate skills training.
- Confirmation as to whether these 20 individuals were the only persons engaged in this capacity and the only ones remunerated by way of a municipal stipend.
- Clarification on the legality of retaining individuals as volunteers for a period of four years without permanent appointment, including the municipal policies, procedures and labour law provisions that governed their engagement, and whether these were properly adhered to.
We will not stand by while workers are treated unfairly and left in uncertainty for years.