SAMWU CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMES THE APPOINTED BOARD OF LEPELLE NORTHERN WATER
18 May 2026
SAMWU CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMES THE APPOINTED BOARD OF LEPELLE NORTHERN WATER
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) notes and congratulates the newly appointed Board of Lepelle Northern Water, including the re-appointment of the Chairperson, Dr. Nndweleni Mphephu. The Board is set to officially commence its term of office on 1 June 2026, as announced by Cabinet.
SAMWU welcomes this appointment with cautious optimism. As a union representing workers within the water sector, we view the appointment of a new Board as an opportunity to restore stability, strengthen governance, improve labour relations and take Lepelle Northern Water to new heights.
Over the years, Lepelle Northern Water has unfortunately been one of the most problematic entities within the Amanzi Bargaining Council. Workers have endured longstanding unresolved labour matters, unilateral conduct, poor engagement and instability which have negatively affected morale and trust within the institution. It is therefore our hope and expectation that the new Board will usher in a new era of accountability, meaningful engagement and respect for workers and collective bargaining processes.
SAMWU and workers at Lepelle Northern Water want to see real change during this new term. This change must not be cosmetic, it must be reflected in how the entity deals with workers, organised labour and the implementation of collective agreements.
Among the urgent issues requiring the immediate attention of the new Board are the following:
1. The long-outstanding 3.5% from the 2019 Collective Agreement
Workers remain aggrieved by the failure to fully implement the outstanding 3.5% salary increase arising from the 2019 Collective Agreement. This matter has remained unresolved for far too long and must be prioritised in the interest of justice, fairness and labour peace.
2. Payment of the 2024/25 performance bonus
SAMWU calls on the new Board to ensure that the performance bonus for the 2024/25 financial year is paid. Workers have continued to carry the entity under difficult conditions and should not be denied benefits linked to their contribution and performance.
3. Unilateral changes to conditions of service and policy reviews
The Union remains concerned by unilateral changes to conditions of service and the review of organisational policies without proper consultation with organised labour. The new Board must ensure that no changes affecting workers are introduced outside lawful and meaningful engagement with recognised unions.
4. Inclusive stakeholder engagement in strategic planning
SAMWU calls on the new Board to ensure that organised labour is involved in its first strategic session and in the broader strategic planning processes of the entity. Workers and their representatives have practical solutions to the challenges faced by Lepelle Northern Water. Decisions about the future of the entity cannot be taken without the voices of those who keep the institution operational on a daily basis.
5. Full implementation of collective agreements concluded at the Amanzi Bargaining Council
The new Board must ensure the full implementation of all collective agreements concluded at the Amanzi Bargaining Council. Collective bargaining is central to labour stability in the sector, and any failure to implement collective agreements undermines both the Council and the trust of workers.
SAMWU is available and willing to have a meaningful session with the new Board to engage on these challenges and to present practical proposals that can assist in stabilising the entity. We believe that through genuine engagement, respect for collective bargaining and a commitment to workers, Lepelle Northern Water can be repositioned as a stable and functional institution.
As SAMWU, we trust and hope that the appointment of the new Board will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Lepelle Northern Water, one in which workers are respected, collective agreements are honoured, and longstanding problems are decisively addressed.
Issued by SAMWU Secretariat
Dumisane Magagula
General Secretary
076 580 4029
Or
Sam Lekhuleni
Deputy General Secretary
082 526 6639