The urgent high court application to interdict the violent Matjhabeng strike has failed.
Vista understands that the municipal manager, Adv. Lonwabo Ngoqo, had approached a law firm in Port Elizabeth to have an immediate interdict issued against the strikers. This despite it being a protected strike. Apparently, all avenues to this effect closer to home also failed.
Meanwhile, the mayor’ office, through spokesperson Tshediso Tlali, has issued a statement bemoaning the strike action.
He says that, unfortunately, there have been instances of protestors violating protesting-regulations, including intimidating non-participating workers, engaging in physical confrontations with infrastructure and department employees, littering streets, and burning tyres.
“Reports also indicate disruptions to the planned delivery of essential services by the municipality, as well as hindrances to Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers tasked with town cleaning and park maintenance.” The arrest of a South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) member for interfering with police operations has been noted.
“Despite our commitment to resolving labour issues with Samwu, challenges persist. Samwu’s demand for the mayor’s removal falls outside our municipality’s jurisdiction, but that of the governing party.”
