UPDATE: It’s back to normal as Tshwane buses returned to depot, easing city traffic
City says workers taking part in the strike could face criminal charges.
The Tshwane municipal buses used to block roads in the Pretoria CBD have been returned to the depot, the metro said on Wednesday morning.
Affected CBD streets were opened with traffic flowing as normal.
This comes after municipal workers affiliated with SA municipal workers’ union blocked major roads in the city with municipal trucks and buses. The workers marched to Tshwane house demanding a wage increase of 18 percent.
It's a normal day on the streets. pic.twitter.com/s0uZxue2pi
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) July 31, 2019
On Wednesday, roads, and transport MMC Sheila Senkubuge said buses used to block the roads were moved off the streets and returned to the depot around midnight.
“Thanks to a special operation held last night, we managed to return the buses to maintain order within the city. It was done thanks to the assistance of law enforcement agencies which included the police, TMPD, JMPD and the taxi associations,” she said.
Senkubuge said workers who took part in the strike could face criminal charges.
“Although calm and order has been restored in the city, we have beefed up security at the depot.
Those who were instigators during the strike have been identified and will go through disciplinary action.”
ALSO READ: UPDATE: ‘Illegal’ Tshwane bus strike enters second day
Pretoria CBD (Latest): City Employees beginning with Protest / Pickets / Blockades – EXPECT DELAYS on central routes pic.twitter.com/k8HO3nWbEC
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) July 31, 2019
Tshwane metro said in a statement that the labour court had declared the strike illegal.
“The city has obtained an interdict against Samwu, prohibiting the continuation of the illegal strike. All officials must report back to work and terminate any illegal strike actions,” the metro said.
Samwu general secretary Koena Ramotlou vowed to shut down the city “until workers’ demands are met”.
The Tshwane bus service remained suspended in some of the routes.
Dear A Re Yeng & TBS Commuters
Be informed that TBS and both Mamelodi & BRT A Re Yeng operations are still not operating due to protests taking place in the City. We apologise for the inconvenience. For more information Contact 012 358 4848— A RE YENG (@A_RE_YENG) July 30, 2019
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