uMhlathuze workers’ strike suspended pending negotiations

Refuse collection begins as union calls temporary halt to strike

July 4, 2025

Mbuso Kunene 1 minute read

Residents in eSikhaleni have taken to burning refuse that lies uncollected in the streets Photo: Mbuso Kunene

REFUSE collection across the City of uMhlathuze has resumed amid a temporary suspension of the strike by members affiliated to the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu).

The temporary halt to the industrial action comes after more than two weeks of striking, bringing service delivery in the city to its knees.

ALSO READ: City of uMhlathuze loses bid to stop workers’ strike

According to Samwu Shonamalanga Regional Secretary Zandile Gumede, the strike is suspended pending negotiations with the municipality, which the union said are set to take place on Tuesday.

“We met with the city management this morning [Friday], and workers are back at work until Tuesday, when we resume where we left off with our negotiations,” said Gumede.

This development comes after the city on Thursday failed in its attempt to obtain an interdict against striking workers.

Read the full story in the ZO on Monday.

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