SEDIBENG. – The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) has raised serious concerns about the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), claiming the local authority is now being run by a government of the least suitable people.

In a strongly worded letter seen by Sedibeng Ster and sent to senior officials, including Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka, local chairperson Peter Mofula warned that standards at the council are collapsing.

The union claims staff morale has plummeted and organisational stability has vanished over a prolonged period.

At the heart of the union’s concern is the alleged unfair suspension of workers in the finance and supply chain departments.

Mofula stated in the letter:

“We regret to believe that it is as a result of a kakistocracy system that is taking place currently in Sedibeng District Municipality. It can’t be legally and morally correct that our members at the finance and supply chain department can be suspended unfairly just to instill a certain degree of fear so that looting can continue as normal.”

That behaviour is causing more pain and suffering.

Furthermore, the union slammed the municipality for failing to pay stipends to Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers and SETA learnership beneficiaries for months.

“That behaviour is causing more pain and suffering to them and their families just because someone needs kickbacks from service providers before a payment can be made, as alleged,” Mofula added.

The latest tensions flared after six union members were issued notices of intended suspension for alleged misconduct, giving them until today to make representations on why they should not be suspended.

There is no victimisation of any employees.

Acting Municipal Manager Atewell Sijadu hit back at the allegations when responding to Sedibeng Ster’s enquiry, dismissing them as completely untrue.

“There is no victimisation of any employees as the process followed is a legitimate process within the Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement.”

On the issue of how much money is being spent on the disciplinary processes Sijadu said, ” We are currently at no stage to make that determination as it will be ascertained at the conclusion of the disciplinary process.”

Sijadu concluded by stressing that the municipality remains fully committed to fair treatment, transparency, and constructive dialogue.

“We will continue to engage constructively with recognised labour unions, including SAMWU, through the appropriate formal channels.”