Department intensifies measures to address labour unrest in Nkomazi
Employees of the Nkomazi Local Municipality began protesting last week over unpaid salaries, disrupting service delivery.
The Mpumalanga Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) has stepped up efforts to tackle financial difficulties and labour unrest in the Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM).
This was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday, June 28.
Administrative support for the NLM has commenced, with a task team deployed comprising senior officials from various departments who specialise in financial management and local government affairs. In addition, a Section 106(1)(b) investigation – conducted under the Local Government Municipal Systems Act of 2000 – has been launched following a resolution by the provincial executive council on May 21.
The investigation aims to uncover the truth behind allegations of maladministration, fraud, corruption, and other serious misconduct within the municipality. It will also examine claims of financial mismanagement, poor governance, and challenges affecting service delivery.
Coghsta MEC Speed Mashilo said the investigation aligns with the 7th Administration’s apex priorities, particularly the third – building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
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He called on all internal and external stakeholders to fully co-operate with the process. “As the department responsible for supporting functional municipalities and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, we have acted swiftly to stabilise the municipality while assuring the community that services will continue,” Mashilo said.
One of the protesters, Vusi Trevor Mkhabela, explained that workers are demanding payment of outstanding medical aid and insurance contributions.
“The municipality failed to pay our medical aid and insurance for May and June. If these payments are missed a third time, the cover will lapse, which is concerning for us. Meanwhile, councillors have been paid in full,” Mkhabela said.
He confirmed that the strike has affected services such as waste collection and water meter reading.
According to Freddy Ngobe, Coghsta spokesperson Oscar Nkosi was seconded as acting municipal manager of the NLM from June 1.
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Nkosi brings extensive local government experience and was appointed under Sections 154 and 155(6) of the Constitution of South Africa. His mandate includes addressing governance and financial management issues. Continuous engagement with employees and their unions is ongoing.
“We want to assure the public that this situation is temporary, and services will be restored as discussions continue,” said Nkosi.
On May 16, Premier Mandla Ndlovu met with the NLM’s executive mayor, Cllr Phindile Magagula, at the Makhonjwa Building to assess the municipality’s service delivery performance as part of ongoing support for local government in Mpumalanga.
Attempts to obtain a statement from NLM spokesperson Mbuso Malela on Monday, June 30, were unsuccessful, as the municipality was still preparing a response.
Meanwhile, employees at Mkhondo Local Municipality have received their overdue salaries. Coghsta clarified that a technical bank system glitch, rather than a lack of funds, caused the initial payment delays. “Salaries have now been processed, and the situation will be closely monitored to prevent future occurrences,” the department said.
