Stand-off at municipal yard as workers demand absorption

A STAND-OFF over the absorption of nearly 500 EPWP contract workers is already spilling into service interruptions across Kimberley, with some municipal employees revealing they have been stuck in temporary posts for as long as 17 years.

Workers clashed with police outside the municipal yard on Wednesday when officers attempted to stop them from setting tyres alight. The situation was stabilised without injuries, but frustration remains high.

Refuse collection in several areas also stalled on Wednesday due to a go-slow, while workers say other critical services - including water, sanitation, cleansing and electricity - could soon be hit as the frustration grows.

Dozens of South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) members remained outside the Sol Plaatje Municipality yard, insisting they will not leave until they receive a firm commitment that long-promised permanent posts will be implemented.

“We’ve been doing double the work for the same pay. For 17 years, I’ve been on contract. No medical aid, no UIF, no funeral cover. If I die today, my family gets nothing,” said one worker.

Union representatives say the municipality committed to absorbing 498 workers from June 1 this year, in line with a council resolution, but no progress has been made.

Samwu full-time shop steward Vuyisile Mengena warned that disruptions will continue until the situation changes.

“We are not going anywhere. If there are no answers, then services will be affected. Workers across the city are contract workers,” he said.

Residents have already voiced concern as bins begin to overflow and delays are felt in routine municipal work.

A key meeting of the Local Labour Forum was scheduled to take place on Thursday, where the financial implications of the absorption plan are expected to be discussed.

Municipal spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said the acting municipal manager, Busisiwe Mgaguli, along with mayoral committee members, had engaged with workers and that the matter would be addressed through the forum structures.

In the meantime, workers say they are prepared to sleep outside the gates as long as it takes.

“We are not asking for special treatment,” one said. “We’re asking for dignity.”