In the aftermath of a strike by aggrieved members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) that led to overturned bins and littered streets in Durban, extra cleaning personnel have been enlisted to restore order. During a media briefing at the Durban International Convention Centre on Monday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube announced that both public and private sectors are collaborating to expedite the clean-up campaign.
Dube-Ncube explained that the areas requiring attention are being identified, with supervision to ensure an efficient cleaning process. The premier emphasized the commitment of law enforcement, including police and intelligence agencies, to review footage and identify individuals involved in damaging infrastructure during the protests. Perpetrators will face legal consequences, she affirmed.
Last week, disgruntled workers, protesting wage disputes, took to the streets, disrupting services and causing chaos. The City responded by obtaining a court interdict against the striking staff due to threats of violence and intimidation directed at non-striking workers. Emergency contingency plans were activated to minimize disruptions, with security personnel deployed to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Dube-Ncube and eThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda issued a joint statement reminding staff of the ‘No Work, No Pay, No Benefits’ policy during this period. Several city-run organizations, including clinics, have temporarily closed due to the strike. The premier stressed that all levels of government are collaborating to address the challenge, engaging with the national government for intelligence services and additional police deployment in key areas to enhance safety and security.
The financial impact of the strike on the city has yet to be confirmed by municipal authorities.