Umjindi workers reinstated after charges against them couldn’t hold water
Sipho Mkhatshwa, Sibusiso Mpila, Moeketsi Mokoena, Dayleen King, Vusi Makamu and Sydney Ndabezitha had been suspended for allegedly failing to do their work with diligence, and for dishonesty and the sabotage of services.
The six Umjindi Municipality workers who had been suspended in June last year had since been reinstated.
Sipho Mkhatshwa, Sibusiso Mpila, Moeketsi Mokoena, Dayleen King, Vusi Makamu and Sydney Ndabezitha had been suspended for allegedly failing to do their work with diligence, and for dishonesty and the sabotage of services.
Vusi Mahlalela, South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) chairman at Umjindi, confirmed their reinstatement. “We won the case in December last year following a series of disciplinary hearing sittings. Our members were acquitted of all the charges they were suspended for,” said Mahlalela.
The workers, who were water processors had been accused of intentionally disconnecting the water supply on June 7 and 8 when several sections in Emjindini were left without water. They had been on suspension since June with full pay.
It was reported that a burst main pipe which supplied the municipality was the cause. The six who were on duty that days had allegedly worsen matters when they shut down the entire plant, apparently demanding overtime allowances and double payment for Sundays and public holidays.
Mahlalela said their members had been wrongfully accused for a crime they never committed.
Despite the executive mayor Cllr Lazaros Mashaba making a public announcement on Ligwalagwala FM last year, stating that they wanted to set an example that people couldn’t temper with basic services and get away with it, the workers and Samwu had the last laugh.
