Labour minister, Membathisi Mdladlana has strongly condemned acts of violence that characterised the first day of the ongoing nationwide strike by municipal workers.
The supposedly peaceful wage increment demonstrations deteriorated into chaos as scores of marchers were seen causing havoc-looting, harassing street vendors and spilling refuse on the streets in most of the country’s major cities yesterday.
In a statement today, Mdladlana said the violent behaviour of a few people was not only tarnishing whatever genuine grievances that they had, but was also undermining the very good cause of their right to strike.
“I call on all those involved in these unlawful actions to immediately observe discipline as they are demonising the real concerns of the majority of the workers. Violence can only harden attitudes,” he said.
The strike is expected to continue today while the municipal workers are still considering a new offer made by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
Enquiries:
Mzobanzi Jikazana
Cell: 083 641 2355
Issued by: Department of Labour
28 July 2009
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za/)
