SAMWU CALLS FOR URGENT INTERVENTION AT MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY OVER UNRESOLVED LABOUR GRIEVANCES
17 September 2025
SAMWU CALLS FOR URGENT INTERVENTION AT MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY OVER UNRESOLVED LABOUR GRIEVANCES
The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in the Mafika Mshengu Region is calling for urgent intervention at the Msunduzi Local Municipality. This follows a persistent breakdown in labour relations, consistent policy non-compliance, and management practices that undermine both employee rights and service delivery.
In a comprehensive memorandum submitted to the Municipality, the union highlighted a series of unresolved grievances, some dating as far back as 2009. These include a disregard for labour laws, the victimization of union representatives, the exploitation of contract workers, unsafe working conditions, and unwarranted outsourcing. The union further condemns unilateral decision-making, such as the arbitrary suspension of shop stewards, the suspension of allowances, and the implementation of policies without proper consultation. These actions threaten workers’ rights and destabilize municipal operations.
Key issues raised in the memorandum include:
· Non-adherence to Municipal Staff Regulations: The municipality has failed to transparently review and approve organizational structures as required by law.
· Victimization and unfair suspensions: Union shop stewards and employees have been subjected to victimization and unjust suspensions.
· Exploitation of contract workers: Contract workers are being exploited and forced to work beyond their contractual scope.
· Lack of transparency and consultation: Critical matters such as the implementation of biometric systems, filling of vacancies, and job grading have been handled without proper consultation.
· Failure to pay: The municipality has failed to pay overtime, allowances, and staff appreciation stipends.
· Unsafe working conditions: The safety of workers has been compromised due to a blatant disregard for health and safety standards.
· Unfair labour practices: The municipality has disregarded collective agreements and engaged in unfair labour practices.
· Poor management accountability: SAMWU has raised concerns regarding a lack of management accountability, financial mismanagement, and the qualifications of senior managers.
SAMWU has demanded that Msunduzi Municipal management provide a formal response within seven working days to address these pressing issues. The union has emphasized that failure to do so will leave it with no choice but to consider strike action to protect workers’ rights and ensure effective service delivery to the community.
In delivering the memorandum, Comrade Bongi Gule, SAMWU Regional Secretary, stated: “We call on the Msunduzi Municipality to prioritize genuine dialogue and implement corrective measures promptly. Our members deserve fair treatment, safe working conditions, and respect for collective agreements. We remain committed to resolving these issues amicably but will not hesitate to take necessary action to defend our members’ rights.”
SAMWU remains hopeful that the Municipality will act swiftly to restore proper labour relations, uphold policies, and serve the best interests of both its employees and residents.
Issued by SAMWU Mafika Mshengu Region
Bongi Gule,
Regional Secretary
(073 006 4220)
Or
Njabulo Shabalala,
Regional Chairperson
(078 534 9633)