All fired employees are formally reinstated to their former municipal positions from today.

They will, however, still have today to celebrate their victory by drinking under trees next to a massive sewerage leak at the magasyn where they have been relaxing since the illegal strike commenced in September.

The 400 dismissed employees will be getting everything they have demanded.

In a contract signed in eMalahleni on Tuesday between SAMWU and the municipality, salary adjustments will be effective from November 1, and shall be paid from the end of January 2022.

Backpay calculated on the difference of salary adjustments for the past two years (24 months), will be paid in phases with the first eight months settled in March 2022, the second eight months in April 2022 and the third in May 2022.

The grading will be implemented in terms of the Municipal Categorisation and Wage Curve Agreement as soon as the agreement has been concluded.

The shocking announcement comes on the back of the ANC’s dismal performance at the recent elections, only scoring 21 seats and losing its majority in council.

The employees have to report to work tomorrow, having today to drink and party and laugh at Middelburg ratepayers who will undoubtedly receive the bill for the ANC’s scandalous blunder.

Municipal Manager, Advocate Bheki Khenisa, said salaries will, however, be deducted from all striking employees since the start of the strike.

Criminal charges against employees arrested for public disorder and infrastructure damage will also not be withdrawn.

October’s pay, which has been paid to striking employees, will also be deducted, Advocate Khenisa says.