The troubled Matjhabeng Municipality said it will be resuming services that have been halted for weeks despite a continued strike by members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu).

Tensions between union members and the municipality have simmered, reaching boiling point as negotiations continue to stall and grievances remain unresolved despite the intervention by the national government. This has highly impacted residents and businesses in the ailing municipality as the needs of the residents have not been attended to since the commencement of the strike.

Progress has been made to resolve underlying issues between Matjhabeng and Samwu at the Local Labour Forum, said Matjhabeng spokesperson Tshediso Tlali. “We sincerely apologise for the prolonged strike, which has impacted service delivery and inconvenienced the residents of Matjhabeng.

“To address service delivery concerns, the Municipality has developed a contingency plan.”

Tlali said waste removal along with cleaning of illegal dumping sites and grass cutting will be prioritised this week. Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha will be unveiling a pothole truck worth R7 million and also launching Letsema, a comprehensive cleaning campaign targeting various areas in Matjhabeng on Wednesday (20/3).

Samwu Provincial Secretary General Tiisetso Mahlatsi has told OFM News workers will be continuing with the protest as they could not find an amicable solution with the municipality despite the national intervention. Samwu has been firm they want Khalipha gone. In response to the axing of Khalipha, the municipality said the decision lies with the ANC which deployed Khalipha.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg