The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs ( CoGTA) in KwaZulu-Natal, is still facilitating negotiations to end the current strike action by workers in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. However, it has been noted with serious concern that some workers are allegedly engaged in acts of sabotage including tempering with water valves and causing malicious damage to property and infrastructure in a manner that denies communities their Constitutional right to potable water.
While KZN CoGTA respects the right of municipal employees to voice their grievances, the department takes a dim view of illegal activities such as the destruction of municipal property.
"We appeal to the striking employees to follow the established channels in dealing with labour disputes and to the law enforcement agencies to investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to book speedily. We pride ourselves on affording our municipal employees access to first-class labour dispute resolution structures and in turn we expect them to make use of these channels,” said Lennox Mabaso.
“Such violent actions are counter-productive and infringe on the rights of other citizens,” Mabaso said.
The Municipality is making every effort to ensure that the provision of services continue unhindered albeit with limited capacity at its disposal due to the ongoing strike.
The municipality apologises to all ratepayers for the current service delivery interruptions and inconvenience. Ratepayers are urged to report service delivery interruptions and emergencies on 0800 864 911.
Enquiries:
Lennox mabaso, KZN CoGTA Spokesperson
Cell: 082 884 2403
Mbali Ndlovu
Cell: 076 794 6830
E-mail: mwandlam@umdm.gov.za
