The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) is demanding immediate action from the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality to ensure the safety of its employees following a shocking shooting incident within the municipal building that has halted all operations. This alarming event has intensified concerns over the rising tensions stemming from a volatile political landscape, characterised by a fierce power struggle between two rival ANC councillors both laying claim to the title of mayor.
The chaotic backdrop of this conflict has marred the functioning of the council, which has witnessed increasingly confrontational behaviour, including fistfights during official sittings. These disturbing incidents have rendered the working environment perilous for municipal staff, prompting SAMWU to express its urgent concerns.
Tshepo Mogwere, SAMWU’s chairperson at the municipality, addressed the gravity of the situation, affirming, “Even though we don’t have full information of what exactly happened yesterday, our main concern here is the safety of the workers.” Mogwere highlighted the necessity to convene with municipal officials to discuss comprehensive safety measures aimed at protecting employees from further incidents. “We have to engage with the corporate services in terms of who will be able to come and who will not be able to come because of the trauma and everything,” he added. “We need to introduce a programme to assist our workers with counselling.”
The demand for immediate safety protocols has emerged as vital, with the municipal workforce finding itself on edge in the aftermath of the shooting. SAMWU is seeking to ensure that all employees feel secure while performing their duties and receiving the necessary psychological support to navigate the trauma experienced.
