VIDEO: KZN beach closed as lifeguards strike
Toti Main Beach in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal remained closed today as disgruntled lifeguards and other municipal staff continued their protest over alleged mistreatment by their manager.
The protest started with a go-slow last month. Yesterday, the protesters chanted outside of the beach office. Rubbish was thrown on the main beach parking lot and in the grassy patch outside one of the restaurants, while rubish bin was set alight, South Coast Sun reported.
eThekwini Municipality head of communications Tozi Mthethwa said: “The city is aware of a go-slow by Amanzimtoti lifeguards. In the interim, while the relevant unit is dealing with the matter, and in the interest of safety, the beach is temporarily closed.”
Mthethwa added the city has noted the allegations of mistreatment, and the matter has been heard by senior management and the unit head, who will ensure that the unit has not violated any council practices.
Click here to watch the video.
“Lifeguards have also raised concerns about equipment. We are currently following supply chain management processes, and we envisage that the equipment will be available in the next three months,” Mthethwa said.
Mthethwa added beach management would be meeting with the relevant staff today.
“However, with regards to all labour-related issues, such matters are addressed internally with municipal employees. The public will be informed when the situation is back to normal,” added Mthethwa.
– Caxton News Service
Read original story on southcoastsun.co.za
