MEC for Local Government and Housing in Gauteng, Mr Humphrey Mmemezi is calling on the leadership of the City of Johannesburg, Pikitup and South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) to come to a speedy resolution and bring the current strike to an end. The MEC said today while attending Minister Tokyo Sexwale’s budget vote in Cape Town in parliament this afternoon.
The MEC also urged that all parties must tackle labour disputes peacefully and within labour relations framework. The kind of intimidation that is taking place is seriously not acceptable and condemned in the strongest possible terms. Intimidation and violence are neither a strategy nor a tactic to be used in any labour disputes as these remain illegal. Such acts of violence that threatens the lives of many people are not welcome and have no place in the current South Africa’s democratic environment.
This strike has left many parts of the City of Johannesburg in an undesirable state of chaos and dirt because of all the litter that has remained uncollected for a number of days. Pikitup is responsible for refuse and litter collection in the city. The negative effect of the strike is that without Pikitup employees, the city is plunged into the problem of litter which affects everybody.
“As MEC for Local Government and Housing in Gauteng I call upon and urge the City of Johannesburg, Pikitup and SAMWU to intensify negotiations in order to see this strike come to an end immediately. The residents of Johannesburg would like to see this matter resolved instantly so that they can resume their normal lives. The piling up of litter can only serve to create fertile grounds for diseases to spread. For the sake of the residents and hygiene, please work harder to bring an end to the strike as a matter of urgency,” MEC Mmemezi said.
This strike has now become a health hazard; a feeding ground for rats, insects and the stench that ensues negatively affects the normal way of life in the City. This situation will also affect businesses adversely and this will lead to the loss of income, and therefore jobs, MEC Mmemezi warned.
For further information you can contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Tel: 011 355 4013
Cell: 079 897 2240
