Samwu demands an end to nepotism
The union is also concerned about the manner in which workers were evicted from municipal houses without being given an alternative place to stay at.
SECUNDA – Govan Mbeki Municipal employees who are affiliated to the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) took to the streets on 11 February, demanding the removal of the municipal manager, Mr Mmela Mahlangu, with immediate effect.
They handed over a memorandum of grievances to Ms Ethel Nkosi, MMC for the Department of Corporate Services, who accepted it on behalf of the executive mayor, Ms Lindi Masina.
Several services were on halt during the march.
The workers want all municipal posts to be stopped and a moratorium placed on all placements and movement of workers.
They also want the end of nepotism at the municipality and the reversal of improper appointments and placements.
“The process of finalisation of the required policies on restructuring and migration must be dealt with before any other placement or movement of workers is done,” said the workers.
They demand politicians to stop abusing workers and to end interfering with the administration work of the municipality.
They said the municipality must begin to comply with the occupational health policy.
They said skills development programmes and capacity building must be accessible to all employees.
The legislation that governs the operation of local municipalities, including the main collective agreement, must be respected by all parties and must be taken serious by the management of the municipality.
The union is also concerned about the manner in which workers were evicted from municipal houses without being given an alternative place to stay at.
Samwu wants employees who do not qualify for house bonds and RDP houses to be allocated stands.
The workers want a response within seven days.
Ms Nkosi said the municipality will respond to the grievances accordingly and on time.
