By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Thursday ruled in favour of the 130 employees, whose contracts were terminated in February 2022.
The group was fired after it was found that their contracts were converted from fixed-term to permanent in 2021.
The then DA-led government took the council decision under Mayor Mpho Phalatse.
But the court found the decision to be unlawful.
Acting Mayor Loyiso Masuku said the city has carefully studied the judgment and will work towards abiding by the court’s directives.
“We wish to reassure all affected parties as well as our residents that the City of Johannesburg, led by the Government of Local Unity, is a law-abiding government which respects the rule of law and believes that the courts are final arbiters in all disputes.”
The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) has also welcomed the outcome after initially taking the city to court two years ago.
In a statement, the union said it was of the view that workers’ rights and livelihoods were “unjustly threatened”.
“However, justice has prevailed, and we commend the high court for its impartiality and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“We recognise that this victory is not just for the 130 [workers] but for all employees who deserve fair treatment and respect in the workplace,” Samwu Johannesburg Regional Secretary, Thobani Nkosi said on Thursday.
“This landmark decision reaffirms our collective commitment to justice, fairness, and dignity in the workplace. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the City of Johannesburg remains a beacon of opportunity and equality for all its employees,” Nkosi added.