The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in Ekurhuleni has voiced strong opposition to the city’s recent decision to slash overtime and acting allowances by 50%. The union warns that this drastic move could jeopardise the already fragile service delivery systems that many residents depend on.
The city’s decision, attributed to budgetary constraints, has left municipal workers feeling undervalued and concerned about their ability to effectively provide services. In a statement, Chris Mavunda, SAMWU’s Regional Chairperson, articulated the frustration felt by many: “We are told that there is no money to pay the workers and for services that need to be rendered effectively and efficiently. However, no one seems to know where the money has gone to and the workers must, as a result, be the ones made to suffer the consequences.”
Mavunda’s comments highlight a growing sense of disillusionment among municipal workers who believe that public servants are being unfairly targeted in the city’s financial decision-making. “We cannot liken this to a leaking pipe anymore. As municipal workers, we are refusing, and we are saying consequence management must take place,” he added, suggesting that transparency in financial management is crucial for restoring trust in local governance.
Critics of the city’s decision have also positioned it as a potential political manoeuvre that may favour “tenderpreneurs” in the lead-up to the next local government elections. This perspective has intensified calls for accountability and clearer explanations regarding the city’s budgetary management.
As discussions surrounding wage cuts and service delivery continue, SAMWU is urging both the city management and the government to give priority to the needs of municipal workers, who play an essential role in maintaining the quality of life in Ekurhuleni. The stakes could not be higher, as residents await assurances that essential services will not be compromised in these uncertain times.