SAMWU Welcomes Labour Court Dismissal of uMhlathuze Vexatious Application
03 July 2025
SAMWU Welcomes Labour Court Dismissal of uMhlathuze Vexatious Application
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Shonamalanga Region notes and welcomes yet another significant victory for its members. On June 26, 2025, the Labour Court once again dismissed an urgent application from the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, which sought to interdict, or legally prevent, SAMWU’s ongoing protected strike. This marks the second time the Municipality’s attempts to silence workers through the courts have failed.
In a strong rebuke, the Labour Court not only struck the Municipality’s case off the roll but also criticised both the Municipality and its legal representatives. The court found them culpable of attempting to mislead the court and for their persistent abuse of court processes. This decision unequivocally confirms SAMWU’s consistent stance that the strike action is lawful, protected, and just. As a Union, we adhered to all legal requirements, including obtaining a certificate of non-resolution, conducting a ballot, and serving proper strike notice.
Despite repeated allegations from the Municipal Manager regarding violence and service delivery disruptions, SAMWU members have consistently acted with discipline and within the bounds of the law. Given these court rulings, SAMWU now urgently calls upon the uMhlathuze Municipality to immediately return to the negotiating table, as demanded by the Union. It is irresponsible and unacceptable for the Municipality to continue avoiding talks based on false narratives that have now been exposed and discredited in court.
The uMhlathuze community deserves leadership that acts in good faith, respects the rule of law, and prioritises both service delivery and worker welfare over petty legal disputes. SAMWU remains committed to meaningful negotiations aimed at resolving the current impasse. We will not be intimidated or distracted from our mandate to fight for the rights, dignity, and fair treatment of all municipal workers.
Issued by SAMWU Shonamalanga Region
Zandile Gumede
Regional Secretary
081 284 2591
Or
Zethu Fakude
Deputy Regional Secretary
0722 52 8910