Tensions remain high as Sol Plaatje workers await labour forum outcome

TENSIONS remained high at the Sol Plaatje Municipality offices in Kimberley on Tuesday, as striking workers waited to attend a special Local Labour Forum (LLF) meeting scheduled for 2pm. They had gathered on the council grounds from 8am, originally expecting the meeting to take place at 9am.

Workers, affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu), said the meeting’s outcome would determine their next steps in the ongoing dispute over the permanent absorption of 498 long-serving contract workers.

Some workers on the ground suggested that the Sol Plaatje Municipality should become the subject of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, reflecting deepening frustration over what they see as years of neglect and failed promises.

Stun grenades fired as protest escalates

The tensions follow a dramatic confrontation on Monday, when the police fired stun grenades and rubber bullets outside the municipal offices after protesting workers tried to set two tyres alight.

Members of Samwu and Imatu marched to the municipal offices, demanding that the 498 contract workers be absorbed permanently. 

The protest comes amid months of frustration over stalled commitments, the suspension of senior officials, and worsening service disruptions affecting refuse removal, water, sanitation and electricity across the city.

According to union representatives, the suspended municipal manager had previously confirmed that funding was available for the posts, with absorption to take effect from June 1. However, workers claim they have yet to receive any letters of appointment.

The municipal doors were kept closed on Monday as the demonstration escalated, with workers vowing to intensify their action if management failed to address them directly. 

The police maintained a visible presence as protesters continued to gather outside.

Sol sorry for ‘breakdown in service delivery’

The municipality, meanwhile, acknowledged that “the delivery of some of the services – sanitation, electrical, roads and refuse removal – have been brought to a halt” due to the strike.

In a statement released late on Monday by the municipality’s Communications Unit, acting municipal manager Busisiwe Mgaguli extended her “sincerest apologies to all residents for the breakdown in service delivery, especially refuse removal” following the strike by more than 100 long-term contract workers.

“We deeply regret the impact this unprotected strike has had on service delivery. Many residents have been inconvenienced by the non-delivery of services, and we profusely apologise for this unfortunate situation,” Mgaguli said.

She added that contingency measures were implemented over the weekend for refuse collection, but “we were again engulfed by strike action today”.

Mgaguli confirmed that a special LLF meeting would be held on Tuesday “in an all-out effort to resolve this impasse,” and reaffirmed that council had already agreed in principle that long-term contract workers should be absorbed.

She added, however, that the process had been delayed by financial considerations and the need for a negotiated settlement, which has fuelled frustration among workers.

“We appeal to those embarking on this unprotected strike to return to their posts,” she said, cautioning that “an unprotected strike draws in its wake dire consequences such as no-work no-pay.”

Mgaguli also urged workers “to desist from any means of violent conduct and to always respect municipal property,” saying that the police were obligated to protect state property and prevent lawlessness.

This is a developing story.