By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The multiparty coalition partners Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA are at the loggerheads over the ongoing strike in the City of Tshwane.
South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) workers downed tools in July.
At the end of July, the Labour Court granted the city an urgent interim interdict against its striking employees and declared the strike unlawful and unprotected.
Last week, the court made the interim order permanent.
“Without consulting the multi-party coalition, ActionSA submitted an urgent motion to the speaker of council that seeks to compel the executive mayor to negotiate with striking workers as well as for the mayor to consider what it calls the legitimate demands put forward by labour unions”, said DA spokesperson Kwena Moloto.
“These demands include adding R600 million to the wage bill, paying striking workers who have disrupted services for residents, and reinstating workers who have engaged in assaults and intimidation against Tshwane employees.
“The foundation of ActionSA’s motion lacks substance. ActionSA seems to be playing opposition politics while in government, clearly attempting to score political points”.
Moloto says the city has engaged with striking unions in an effort to find common ground.
“ActionSA’s motion displays a lack of foresight. Granting wage increases in Tshwane would inevitably come at the expense of resources designated for essential services to residents.
“If this motion were to be accepted, creating the illusion of ending the strike in the name of resuming service delivery in Tshwane, it would lead to a long-term decline in the quality of services provided to Tshwane residents.
“Under no circumstances will the DA endorse a motion that could result in the financial ruin of the City of Tshwane. If ActionSA chooses to engage in politics that undermine the coalition and potentially return the city to the ANC, the DA Caucus will persist in fighting for residents from the opposition benches.”
Meanwhile Tshwane has suspended its bus operations after two of its vehicles were vandalised on Friday.
City spokesperson Selby Bokaba said one employee was injured and had to be rushed to hospital.
“Two Tshwane Bus Services (TBS) buses were attacked while on their way back to the depot. The buses were travelling on Kgosi Mampuru Street (between Pretorius and WF Nkomo Streets) when they came under attack.
“Windows and windscreens of the buses were damaged, and the doors were broken after being pelted with stones and objects. Fortunately, there were no commuters on board those buses.”
Bokaba said the city took a decision to suspend bus operations until further notice.
Yesterday, the city’s headquarters, Tshwane House, was attacked during a protest action allegedly by members of the EFF.
“Ten windows were broken when rocks and other assortments were thrown at the building. Five of the windows are along Lilian Ngoyi Street while the other five are located at the Executive Mayor’s Office side.
“Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack and are facing charges of malicious damage to property. The suspects are in detention at the Pretoria Central Police Station and are expected to appear in court on Monday.” he added.