COGTA chairperson concerned by escalation of violence and torching of vehicle in Tshwane

14 September 2023

The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation and Human Settlements, Mr China Dodovu, is concerned by the escalation of acts of violence which has seen the torching of vehicles belonging to the City of Tshwane. The Chairperson has urged the municipality and leaders of labour unions to engage with the intention of resolving the wage dispute impasse.

“The burning of critical infrastructure is unacceptable as it will put undue pressure on the delivery of services upon the resolution of the dispute. There is no acceptable justification for the destruction of valuable property and these acts of violence must stop. But for this to happen both sides must be committed to engagement,” Mr Dodovu highlighted.

The Chairperson has noted the decision by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council in relation to the City’s request to be exempted from increasing workers salaries as well as the intention by the city to approach the Labour Court. “While this legal process is ongoing it can only be beneficial if the City and the workers continue to engage and seek possible solutions to the impasse,” Mr Dodovu emphasised.

The committee had recently visited the City in July to assess the implementation of the financial recovery plan and highlighted concerns that the City had inadequate skills to drive the plan. The municipality informed the committee that it was struggling to fill various critical Section 56 of the Municipal Systems Act Managers including the Chief Financial Officer which will be essential in implementing the envisioned plans. Also, the committee highlighted that the municipality had to strengthen stakeholder engagement.

The Chairperson highlighted that the situation demands flexibility and willingness to finding a workable and practical approach by both sides. “A hardened approach will directly impact service delivery which might lead to residents and rate payers not paying services, rates and taxes something which will impact negatively on the city’s drive to improve its cash flow challenges.

Also, the torching of municipal vehicles is criminal and has the potential of undermining concerns of the workers,” Mr Dodovu emphasised.

Mr Dodovu has called on the South African Police Service and all law enforcement agencies to work with the City to arrest any criminal element in the ongoing impasse.

Issued by Malatswa Molepo, Media Officer, Parliamentary Communication Services, 14 September 2023