SAMWU welcomes Moya’s Election as Tshwane Executive Mayor

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has voiced its support for the election of Nasiphi Moya as the new Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane.

Moya, who previously served as Deputy Mayor under Councillor Brink, is said to bring a wealth of experience to her new role.

SAMWU believes that her election marks the beginning of a long-awaited transformation, one that both workers and residents have been eagerly anticipating.

For years, Tshwane’s municipal workers and residents have reportedly endured the consequences of policies implemented by the previous DA-led coalition, which SAMWU claims deepened inequality and neglected marginalised communities.

According to the union, the former administration’s focus on affluent areas left vulnerable residents without access to essential services, further exacerbating social divides.

Many workers, described by SAMWU as the backbone of the city, were denied salary increases for two of the past three years under the previous administration.

This, SAMWU argues, left workers struggling with the rising cost of living and pushed many into financial hardship.

The union strongly condemns the DA-led coalition’s refusal to implement legally binding salary increases, a move that SAMWU believes has caused immense suffering.

SAMWU has vowed not to forget the challenges workers faced under the former administration, including the dismissal of employees who fought for their rights.

The union sees these actions as a dark chapter in Tshwane’s history. However, with Moya now in office, SAMWU is hopeful that a new era of fairness and justice will begin.

The union further urged the new leadership to take immediate steps to address workers’ grievances. SAMWU demands the withdrawal of the city’s review application before the Labour Court regarding the 5.4% salary increase from 2023.

In addition, they insist on the payment of the 3.5% salary increase that was due in 2021. SAMWU asserts that these increases are not privileges but contractual obligations that must be honoured.

The union also demands the reinstatement of all workers dismissed under the previous administration, labelling their termination as both unlawful and immoral.