Maluti-a-Phofung, Free State – The South African Municipal Workers’ Union has accused the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality of presiding over what it describes as a humanitarian, labour and governance crisis, following a listening campaign conducted across Phuthaditjhaba, Kestell and Harrismith.
In a statement issued by its Thabo Mofutsanyane Region, SAMWU said workers are facing unpaid COVID-19 allowances, delayed third-party deductions and deteriorating occupational health and safety conditions.
According to the union, municipal employees who maintained essential services during the pandemic have yet to receive outstanding COVID-19 allowances. It further alleges that third-party contributions deducted from workers’ salaries are not consistently paid over on time, placing employees under financial strain.
SAMWU described the situation as economic violence, arguing that workers are expected to continue delivering services while their own families face mounting debt and hardship.
The union also raised alarm over occupational health and safety, claiming that workers have died while on duty due to unsafe conditions, lack of proper tools and insufficient protective equipment. It attributed these incidents to what it termed institutional negligence.
In addition, SAMWU criticised what it called rampant outsourcing within the municipality, alleging that entire functions, along with workers and equipment, are being handed to private individuals under questionable arrangements. The union warned that this could open the door to further corruption and increase the cost of municipal services for residents.
Of particular concern, SAMWU alleged the existence of a “construction mafia-style” operation operating under the guise of voluntary service. It claims a private individual without a legally binding contract exerts influence within the municipality through informal agreements with senior management, and has allegedly intimidated workers and interfered in union activities.
The union has called for the immediate payment of third-party deductions after they are made, an end to outsourcing arrangements that disadvantage workers, and investigations into alleged misconduct and worker deaths.
SAMWU Thabo Mofutsanyane Regional Secretary Hopolang Lebusho warned that if the situation persists, the union will escalate its response. He described the matter as no longer solely a labour dispute but a broader governance and community crisis.
The municipality had not responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
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