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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Samwu vows to hold Tshwane political parties accountable for unpaid salary increases
The South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) in Tshwane marched to Tshwane House to demand the implementation of the outstanding salary increments and reinstatement of unfairly dismissed colleagues with immediate effect. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) in Tshwane has threatened to use the 2026 local government elections to hold political parties accountable for refusing to pay outstanding salary increases of 3.5% and 5.4%. These increases, part of a collective wage agreement for the 2021/22 and 2023/2024 financial years, have been a point of contention between the union and the City of Tshwane. The workers' demands were aired on Wednesday during their march to Tshwane House, where they gave the city a seven-day ultimatum to respond. The demands include implementing the outstanding salary increments and reinstating unfairly dismissed colleagues with immediate effect. Samwu regional chairperson Lehlogonolo Maphatsoe accused the current administration, led by ActionSA, ANC, and EFF, of hypocrisy. He claimed they had previously lied to workers by demanding the reinstatement of dismissed workers and the implementation of salary increases when the DA-led administration was in power. 'It is now their time to implement and they are doing something else,' he said. He urged workers to unite, stating that no political party in Tshwane truly represents their interests. Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise, who received the workers' memorandum of demands, said the city proposed a phased payment approach for the 3.5% salary increase to Samwu leadership, starting with junior staff, followed by middle staff, and finally senior staff, which the union reportedly agreed to. However, Maphatsoe denied this, saying the city executive offered once-off payments in two instalments scheduled for 2026 and 2027, which the union rejected. 'We want the 3.5% to be implemented into our normal salaries, not as a once-off payment,' he said. Modise said the city will review the cases of 43 workers who were dismissed and consider rehiring those who were unfairly dismissed. Workers complained that they didn't have the tools of trade, but Modise countered that the municipality had procured at least 75 waste trucks. With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Maphatsoe reminded workers of their voting power, warning that their collective action could impact the outcome. 'A political party that I will advise that you vote for is the political party that is prepared to pay our 3.5% increase and 5.4%,' he said. The workers' demands come after a May 9 Labour Court ruling, which referred the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new hearing on the 3.5% wage increase after the city had initially sought an exemption from implementing it.
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Uproar as Tshwane cuts power to three police stations
'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup.' Many were confused about the City of Tshwane's decision to cut power to three police stations in the capital as part of its Tshwane Ya Tima campaign to get outstanding accounts up to date. In June, the mayor was criticised for cutting the power to the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital due to the Gauteng department of health's failure to settle R1.2 million in overdue electricity charges for March and April. ALSO READ: Power still cut at Pretoria police stations as deputy mayor denies getting special treatment Power restored at Police station Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the power was restored at the Moot police station on Wednesday night, after the supply was disconnected on Tuesday. 'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup,' she added. Muridili said police were working with the department of public works and administration to get the power restored and resolve the matter. Credit control needed DA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Jacqui Uys said the City of Tshwane needs to implement its credit control policy to ensure the financial health and future of the city. 'However, this needs to happen fairly and without bias, following the correct intergovernmental processes. 'Currently, the ANC's patronage networks and the deputy mayor's pocket are benefiting while our communities, who deserve police services, are paying the price,' she claimed. Uys said the power cut at Saps Moot was an indication that the deputy mayor's financial interest was more important than the safety of residents. ALSO READ: Water, power and reporting problems persist in Tshwane The City's debt The deputy mayor and MMC of finance Eugene Modise must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, which owes the city in excess of R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to Tshwane Ya Tima which on Tuesday cut power to Saps in the Moot,' she said. Modise denied the allegations and rebuffed the opposition's criticism. 'Mzansi is not indebted to the City of Tshwane and does not hold a municipal account with the city. 'If they believe otherwise, they must produce verifiable proof of any municipal account held by Mzansi with the City of Tshwane,' he said. Instead of undermining the efforts of the #TshwaneYaTima campaign, the DA should acknowledge the strides made in optimising revenue collection to strengthen service delivery, Modise said. Southern Sun disconnected The city continued with Tshwane Ya Tima on Thursday, and further disconnected Southern Sun Arcadia due to a R12 million debt. 'No pay, no power. Accountability is not optional,' he said. Modise said Shoprite also settled a R600 000 payment just as the city was about to pull the plug for over R500 000 owed. 'Responsibility isn't a favour – it's a duty. 'Pay your municipal bills,' he said. NOW READ: 'Engineered dysfunction': City of Tshwane disconnects its own water reservoir for non-payment
IOL News
27-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Reviving air travel: Tshwane's plans for Pretoria-Cape Town flights
Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise has announced City of Tshwane's plans to resume flights between Pretoria's Wonderboom National Airport and Cape Town. Image: File The City of Tshwane is working to resume flights between Pretoria and Cape Town, which were halted in 2018 due to profitability concerns. Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise disclosed the city's plans on Friday at Wonderboom National Airport, which hosted The Children's Flight 2025 programme. He said the airport is among the municipal strategic assets for revitalising the local economy, with plans to put it on the market in September. 'Our primary objective is to ensure that it is fully functional,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading He said the city will revive talks on resuming flights, aiming to get the South African Civil Aviation Authority to reactivate and renew the license for Pretoria-Cape Town flights, and also introduce a new route to Durban. The announcement follows the news in April that Messe Frankfurt South Africa would not renew its agreement with Tshwane to host AERO South Africa at Wonderboom National Airport after the 2024 edition. The three-day event was relocated to Lanseria International Airport, where it took place last month. Although the city acknowledged the economic benefits of AERO South Africa, it has since signed other initiatives with partners to utilise the airport. The 10th edition of The Children's Flight 2025 programme, which saw over 1,000 underprivileged children taking to the skies, aims to introduce young children to the aviation industry. The programme, supported by 150 pilots and over 100 nationwide sponsors, gave many children their first-ever helicopter experience. Modise said the initiative aims to expose children to various career paths in the industry, including pilots, technicians, engineers, and air controllers. He emphasised that shaping young minds begins with exposure, allowing children to envision greater possibilities, dream bigger, think smarter, and strive for excellence. 'Every opportunity provided to them today lays the foundation for the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow,' he said. He highlighted the importance of the airport as a strategic economic engine for the city, driving tourism, trade, investment, and job creation. 'Its growth fuels local development and positions the capital as a key player in regional and international connectivity,' he said. Event organiser Felix Gosher said the event specifically targets underprivileged children from registered care facilities who would unlikely have the chance to fly otherwise. Tshwane's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, said the initiative provides a great opportunity for children who might otherwise never experience flying, attracting local business support and bringing joy to children's faces.
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Power still cut at Pretoria police stations as deputy mayor denies getting special treatment
Despite being criticised for putting residents' safety at risk, the City of Tshwane said it needs to optimise revenue collection. Many are confused about the City of Tshwane's decision to cut power to three police stations in the capital as part of its 'Tshwane ya Tima' campaign to get outstanding accounts up to date. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili has confirmed that the power was restored at the Moot police station on Wednesday night after the power supply was disconnected on Tuesday. 'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they also have a generator. [At] Mamelodi East, they are using solar power for backup,' she added. City of Tshwane cuts power at police stations Muridili said police are working with the Department of Public Works and Administration to restore the power and resolve the matter. In June, the City of Tshwane mayor was criticised for cutting the power to the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital due to the Gauteng Department of Health's (GDoH) failure to settle R1.2 million in overdue electricity charges for March and April. ALSO READ: Power cut to police station sparks DA backlash over alleged favouritism DA Tshwane Caucus spokesperson Jacqui Uys said the City of Tshwane needs to implement its credit control policy to ensure the financial health and future of the city. 'However, this needs to happen fairly and without bias, following the correct intergovernmental processes. Currently, the ANC's patronage networks and the deputy mayor's own pocket are benefiting while our communities, who deserve police services, are paying the price,' she said. Deputy mayor accused of getting special treatment Uys said the power cut at the Moot police station is an indication that Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise is being treated differently from others. She also said it seems that the deputy mayor's own financial interest is more important than the safety of residents. 'The deputy executive mayor and MMC of finance, Eugene Modise, must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, who owes the city in excess of R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to 'Tshwane Ya Tima' who on Tuesday cut power to Saps in the Moot,' she said. Modise denied the allegations and hit back at the DA. 'Mzansi is not indebted to the City of Tshwane and does not hold a municipal account with the city. If they believe otherwise, they must produce verifiable proof of any municipal account held by Mzansi with the City of Tshwane,' he said. Modise said instead of undermining the efforts of the 'Tshwane ya Tima' campaign, the DA should acknowledge the strides made in optimising revenue collection to strengthen service delivery. Power cut at Southern Sun Arcadia The city continued with the 'Tshwane ya Tima' campaign on Thursday and further disconnected Southern Sun Arcadia due to a R12 million debt. 'No pay, no power. Accountability is not optional,' he said. Modise said Shoprite also settled a R600 000 payment just as the city was about to pull the plug for more than R500 000 owed. 'Responsibility isn't a favour – it's a duty. Pay your municipal bills,' he said.
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bloemfontein Celtic identity crisis: revival or rivalry?
For now, the light at the end of the tunnel looks increasingly more like an oncoming train. Marumo Gallants Fans/Bloemfontein Celtic fans during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 football match against Kaizer Chiefs at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein on 14 September 2024 @Gavin Barker/BackpagePix Now that the dust has settled and SuperSport United's demise is officially confirmed, it's time to address the elephant in the room. Will the real Bloemfontein Celtic please stand up? The curious state of affairs in trying to revive the club would be funny if it wasn't this confusing to all football lovers in the Free State province. ALSO READ: Sundowns unveil home and away kits for 2025/26 season The PSL status formerly held by United has been acquired by a new entity, Siwelele FC, backed by a Bloemfontein-based consortium led by Calvin Le John, son of Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. Celtic in Tshwane The club is set to play its 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign out of Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane, and despite the change in location, it is already positioning itself as the spiritual successor to the original Celtic. Mckenzie has publicly shared his family's emotional connection to the club, with the outspoken sports minister once revealing, 'The only time my father hugged me was when Celtic scored a goal.' While the minister insists he will not interfere in club matters while in office, his influence looms large over the project. However, the situation is far from clear-cut. Edward Modise, a Free State businessman, has legally acquired the naming rights to Bloemfontein Celtic from former owner Max Tshabalala. In an interview with Radio 2000's Thabiso Mosia, Modise outlined plans to purchase a Motsepe Foundation Championship status and restore the Celtic brand through promotion, rather than top-flight acquisition. This has left some supporters in a state of confusion. Should they rally behind Siwelele FC, who have a PSL status but no official claim to the Celtic name, or wait for Modise's version, rooted in Free State and built from the ground up? ALSO READ: Ex-Pirates star compares Nkota to Bale Social media activity suggests Siwelele FC has already begun engaging with fans, holding community meetings and using club iconography. Yet, the legitimacy of this effort remains in question given that the actual naming rights reside with Modise. Tug-of-war It's a tug-of-war for heritage, identity and fan loyalty. It threatens to further fracture a supporter base already left heartbroken by the club's earlier sale. Instead of a long-awaited return, Celtic fans are now watching two rival visions pulling in different directions. Siwelele FC will open their premiership campaign against Golden Arrows while the true revival of Bloemfontein Celtic remains in limbo. The question remains, where does this leave the loyal Phunya Sele Sele faithful? Who do they back, Le John's Siwelele FC, or Modise's bid to bring back the real Celtic? What happens if Modise follows through and secures a status in the NFD? The naming rights legally belong to him, and a potential clash seems inevitable. At this stage, it's difficult to speak of a true revival when two camps claim the same legacy but are pulling in opposite directions. ALSO READ: Banyana star Salgado on the mend after successful surgery For now, the light at the end of the tunnel looks increasingly more like an oncoming train. Once again, the fans risk ending up on the wrong side of a messy collision.
