The workers want the municipality to stop outsourcing services and to upgrade their post grading to level 6 from level 4.

The Municipal Manager, Advocate Bheki Khenisa, said upgrading workers to grade 6 means municipal rates will have to be increased to pay their salaries.

Pankiso Mnisi, who claims to be representing municipal workers, said increasing rates is not the only solution.

“The municipality can cut expenditures to upgrade workers to grade 6,” Mr Mnisi said.

Mr Mnisi also demanded the resignation of the Municipal Manager, and disputed claims that the illegal strike is politically affiliated.

Protesters were also seen driving around town throwing rubbish bins to the ground they were carrying sjamboks.

Services at the licensing department and civic centre, which were halted until October 1, are said to have resumed today but that officials are not helping members of the public out of fear.