Trade unions and municipal workers' unions are up in arms demanding the mayor of the Free State-based Matjhabeng Local Municipality vacate his office.

The Free State SAMWU accused Thanduxolo Khalipha of being a dictator in the troubled municipality. This was after the suspension of 22 shop stewards. Secretary of SAMWU in the Free State, Tiisetso Mahlatsi. disclosed that the main building of the municipality was without water in the week of 29 September.

Secretary of SAMWU in Free State, Tiisetso Mahlatsi. Photo: Daily Sun

He alleged that shop stewards approached management several times to deal with issues of poor working conditions and engagements did not bear any positive outcomes. The shop stewards were then suspended advising workers to vacate the building which allegedly did not comply with health and safety regulations.  

Matjhabeng Municipal manager, Lonwabo Ngoqo, denied allegations that workers were subjected to poor working conditions during the week in question. He admitted the municipal building was without water as a result of the emergency shutdown by the Vaal Central Water Board. Lonwabo said alternative toilets were arranged for workers to use.

Mahlatsi accused Thanduxolo of weaponising the administration and municipal resources to further his political ambitions. He raised concerns over the establishment of the war room and claimed it has stripped Ngoqo of his legally mandated powers. Ngoqo denied these allegations and said the suspension of the shop steward was his own decision.

“I found it strange why the name of the mayor has been used because I didn’t have any instruction from him in writing or verbally as it's alleged. They (shop stewards) were suspended because we were losing a lot of money. After all, they were not at work and distrusting people who wanted to work. That is the only reason they were suspended.”

Secretary of COSATU in the Free State, Monyatso Mahlatsi. Photo: Screenshot

Meanwhile, the Secretary of COSATU in the Free State, Monyatso Mahlatsi, called on Khalipha to vacate his position. This after several marches at the municipal building in which Khalipha was allegedly unwilling to engage with representatives of COSATU.

“We wanted to engage with him in our first march, but he was not willing to engage with us and even went ahead to make public statements that we are loitering and he doesn't have time for people who are loitering. So he has confirmed to us that he is not willing to work with us. If that is the case we feel that the mayor must step down.”

Khalipha has since come out to say that he will only step aside if the ANC directs him and the council believes he is not doing his work.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi