This comes just weeks after the National Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, placed the ailing metro under National Government's control for failing to handle its financial affairs, after being placed under administration at the end of 2019.

Also read: #BreakingNews: Mangaung stripped of its powers by national government

Workers, mostly from the Solid Waste Treatment Plant, on Tuesday morning blockaded all entrances to the Metro's premises. These disgruntled workers dispersed piles of solid waste in front of the Metro's premises, including small rocks. According to workers, some of them received as little as R100 or R46 in their bank accounts this morning. 

It's understood that the leadership representing the irate workers are currently engaged in talks with the newly appointed municipal administration. There is also a heavy police presence outside the Metro, keeping a watchful eye on the events. It's further understood that the embattled municipal mayor will address protesting workers. 

Dlamini-Zuma allegedly was under the impression that the provincial Cogta Department, led by MEC Mxolisi Dukwana, treated the metro with kid gloves.

The metro has been in the spotlight recently for all the wrong reasons and was under scrutiny during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) sitting held at the Free State Legislature.

The metro has been the first metro to be placed under administration in South Africa following its failure to perform the most basic functions of service delivery.

The alleged political infighting at the metro is said to be at the forefront of the failed administration. Senior officials with political affiliations at the metro are allegedly at a crossroads with one another.

OFM News previously reported that workers at the Metro were waiting in anticipation to find out if the Metro will this week pay their salaries.

Also read: Uncertainty about Mangaung workers salaries

OFM News previously reported that trouble at the metro seem to be exacerbating even further with municipal leadership at loggerheads with each other.

This is a developing story.

OFM News