Political interferences in MP Municipalities causes chaos

SAMWU in the Mpumalanga Province was forced to nullify the irregular collective agreement signed between its local structure and Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, due primarily to unnecessary political interference.

The Unions Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) found that the local SAMWU structure was coerced into signing an agreement - In which Mayoral Staff Members were transferred to various departments, without following proper procedures. Jobs were not advertised; there was no council/local labour forum resolution for the transfers and that the SAMWU Local Leadership had no authority to enter into the agreement etc. The transferred members were also put into higher pay notches, which gave them unfair advantages.

The employer agreed with the Union that the agreement was irregular but refused to nullify the agreement; The Union is now consulting with its members and will seek legal opinion on the matter.

In a number of Municipalities in the Mpumalanga province, staff members learnt in the newspapers that their jobs were being advertised and out of frustration, they applied and were not even short listed. Mayoral staff members report for duty but don't do any work because their jobs are done by newly appointed staff. This is as a result of Political interferences by the newly elected mayors and their mayoral committees, who do not want current staff.

Municipal Managers, who are supposed to be advising politicians on administrative issues like this, are also vulnerable to abuse by these politicians. These Municipal Managers are afraid too that they could lose their jobs, if they challenge the political interferences.

Statement issued by SAMWU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, Kgokedi Mphahlele, July 21 2011

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