Media Invite: SAMWU to March in Buffalo City Metro Municipality on 8th April 2025 Over Issues of Financial Mismanagement, Corruption, and Service Delivery Failures

April 7, 2025 adminPress

7 April 2025

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Eastern Cape will lead a peaceful march in Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCMM) on the 8th of April 2025 (from North End to City Hall). This march comes as a result of numerous unresolved challenges that have plagued the municipality, negatively impacting workers, service delivery, and the broader community of Buffalo City. The following key issues have led to this action:

1. Financial Mismanagement and Lack of Accountability: BCMM is currently under a Financial Recovery Plan. Despite this, there has been no tangible improvement in the municipality’s financial situation. The most recent Auditor General’s report highlighted severe financial mismanagement, and there is no clear accountability for ensuring that financial recovery measures are being effectively implemented. Additionally, service delivery in the municipality has not improved despite the ongoing efforts under the recovery plan.

2. Corruption Within BCMM: There has been widespread corruption within BCMM, as evidenced by the visit from SCOPA, which revealed serious issues related to administrative financial misuse. This led to a lifestyle audit, with specific allegations concerning the mismanagement of COVID-19 relief funds and the ongoing failure to address the Mdantsane Swimming Pool matter. Furthermore, the municipality has ignored resolutions passed by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), contributing to the erosion of trust in the institution.

3. Union Bashing and Breach of Labour Rights: SAMWU is deeply concerned about the increasing attacks on the union and its members, especially in relation to Section 84(1)(a) and 85 of the Labour Relations Act. A recent incident involves the lack of consultation regarding the Implementation Transversely Project from National Treasury. This project, set to convert certain departments into entities by 1st July 2025, has been introduced without proper consultation with affected stakeholders, including the union. Furthermore, the ongoing process of organizational redesign has been carried out without input from the workers’ representatives, undermining workers’ rights and the spirit of collective bargaining.

4. Non-Implementation of LLF Resolutions: SAMWU is frustrated by the employer’s failure to implement agreements made in the Local Labour Forum (LLF). For instance, despite an agreement between bargaining parties on the payment of the COVID-19 Danger Allowance, the employer has failed to honor this resolution. Additionally, there has been a failure to review key policies, some of which are only revised when they disadvantage our members, rather than being reviewed to improve working conditions.

5. Outsourcing and Privatization: SAMWU strongly opposes the continued outsourcing of essential services within BCMM. For example, the Electricity Department in Mdantsane, one of the largest units in the municipality, is being outsourced to a private company responsible for all electricity-related functions, including staffing. This is in stark contrast to how other areas, such as Qonce and East London, are managed by internal BCMM staff. Similarly, solid waste management, road maintenance, and other key services are being outsourced, leaving current BCMM employees sidelined. This pattern of outsourcing undermines the municipality’s commitment to creating jobs and providing services efficiently.

6. Exploitation of EPWP Workers: SAMWU has noted with concern the exploitation of workers under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). When permanent posts become vacant, EPWP workers are often asked to fill these positions without receiving the corresponding benefits or being permanently employed. SAMWU demands that these vacant, funded posts be filled with permanent employees and that the EPWP programme be reviewed, with the ultimate goal of absorbing these workers into permanent positions to address the chronic staffing shortages.

7. Lack of Leadership and Declining Confidence in BCMM Administration: The ongoing issues in BCMM are a direct result of a lack of effective leadership within both the political and administrative structures of the municipality. SAMWU believes that unless there is a significant change in leadership, particularly before the 2026 Local Government Elections, BCMM risks losing its standing and confidence among residents. The recent elections showed that the municipality secured only 57% of the vote, and if the current leadership crisis is not addressed, BCMM may face further decline.

SAMWU remains committed to representing the interests of municipal workers and ensuring that the issues affecting the workers, residents, and service delivery in BCMM are addressed. The peaceful march on the 8th of April 2025 is a direct call to the BCMM leadership to take immediate action and address these critical concerns.

We call on all workers, community members, and residents of Buffalo City to join us in this march as we stand united in the fight for a better, more accountable municipality that serves the interests of its people and provides quality services for all.

Issued by SAMWU Eastern Cape
Asamza Ntaka
Provincial Secretary
083 703 3865

Lorna Lubedu
Deputy Provincial Secretary
081 034 9904