No solution yet for RNM

Due to a prolonged workers’ strike, community leaders, business owners, and the DA in Port Shepstone have stepped in to try and resolve the crisis in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM).

Led by Selvan Chetty, they have written an urgent letter raising their concerns to KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and Cogta MEC Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

The angry citizens of RNM say that for the past three weeks, they have been subjected to strike action by municipal workers accompanied by destructive behaviour and economic sabotage.

“The already poor service delivery has ground to a complete halt with no refuse collection, repeated trashing of our town and sabotage of the electricity supply. There has been no engagement with communities and no suggestion of an effort to solve the problems that may exist,” said Chetty.

They are asking that the provincial government and Cogta intervene immediately.

The DA has also called on Cogta for intervention and for an investigation into the conduct of the municipal manager, Khetha Zulu, who has been at the centre of the dispute, and for disciplinary steps to be taken where necessary.

The DA caucus chairperson in RNM, Leon Garbade, says there has been a failed attempt to negotiate an amicable settlement between the workers and municipal administration, which has resulted in court action and arbitration.

“The municipal manager and the administration have not kept the council briefed, despite various attempts to request a proper situational briefing.”

The DA was told by mayor Zodwa Mzindle to ‘trust us with the negotiations’.

Furthermore, The DA believes that Zulu and his senior officials have failed to resolve the issue and to effectively communicate to council and the residents they serve.

Meanwhile, the crisis has created a stink in Port Shepstone, with uncollected rubbish everywhere.

Garbage was strewn in the Sheppie CBD and Margate by protesters who have been demanding their six months backpay and to be upgraded.

So far, services that have been affected are refuse collection, verge cutting and at the licensing department.

RNM speaker Phumlani Gumbi says the workers will not be paid because of national discussions in regard to the grading of the municipality.

He added the municipality can have different grades; RNM management (including councillors) are on grade 5, and the workers are on grade 4.

Hibiscus Coast and Ezinqoleni municipalities were on two different grades before they amalgamated to form RNM.

He said the national discussions had to conclude as it will determine under which grade the workers will be paid, as the grading might change.

“I want to emphasise that we, as the municipality, do not decide on salary increments and grading of the municipality. Cogta is dealing with all that; then they come to us to say when and how we should implement it.”

Gumbi said discussions with the workers are ongoing.

Commenting on the call to suspend Zulu, he said they cannot consider suspending him on baseless evidence unless there is proof that he is the reason for the unrest.

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