This followed an “unusual task” that they recently had to do, which was closing graves at cemetries. The complainants, mostly women, stated that this action had not formed part of their tasks ever since they had been working there, up until the company that was contracted to perform the tasks went on a strike as a result of non-payment from ELM.

“If this has always been part of the tasks that have to be performed by EPWP, why is it that a different company was contracted to do the job for a payment, and as soon as the company stopped working, we then had to perform the tasks?” one of the workers asked.

The group further stated that they were not given essentials like gloves and nose-bags. “Our safety here is really not guaranteed. What if we hurt ourselves doing this job?” The group stated that they wanted to take the matter further.

ELM Spokesperson Anita Sehlabo says, “ELM regrets and condemns the use of media platforms to raise such concerns. Emfuleni Local Municipality will continue to ensure a safer and more conducive working environment for all employees.

“It can be confirmed that the Department of Parks and Cemeteries provided workers with protective clothing such as boots, overalls, gloves, etc, as early as February 2016.

It must be noted that as Emfuleni Local Municipality, working procedures of trimming, cleaning, closing, draining and re-opening of graves are in line with the basic services provided by the Parks and Cemeteries Department. Thus employees within this department, including general workers and EPWPs, conduct this work as it’s part of their everyday tasks.”