Latest news with #Samwu
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane municipal workers' unions to negotiate 3. 5% wage increase
Labour unions, Imatu and Samwu, are set to restart CCMA-led wage negotiations with the City of Tshwane for a proposed 3,5% increase for the 2021/2022 financial year. Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers The two municipal workers' unions in Tshwane are expected to restart CCMA-led wage negotiations with the City of Tshwane this week for a proposed 3.5% increase for the 2021/2022 financial year. Both the South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) will participate in the fresh negotiations following the recent Labour Court's May 9 ruling, which sent the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new determination. The court, however, exempted the City from implementing the 5.4% salary increase for the 2023/2024 financial year that was agreed upon in collective negotiations. The City went to court two years ago after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council. The unions met with Executive Mayor, Nasiphi Moya, on Friday to discuss the recent court ruling on the City's exemption applications regarding agreed-upon wage increases The parties issued a joint statement, describing their meeting as constructive and solution-focused. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'All parties acknowledged the strain the ongoing wage dispute has placed on municipal employees. The City reaffirmed its appreciation for the dedication of its workforce and its commitment to working collaboratively with organised labour to find a fair and sustainable resolution,' they said. The parties agreed to invoke Section 150 of the Labour Relations Act and engage in a CCMA-facilitated mediation to resolve the 3.5% salary increase dispute, believing it offers the best chance for a mutually beneficial outcome. Both Imatu and Samwu agreed to participate in the mediation in good faith but expressed disappointment with the court's ruling on the 5.4% increase, reserving their right to appeal the judgment after consulting with their members. 'The City, Imatu and Samwu remain committed to ongoing dialogue and will continue to explore all avenues that advance the interests of municipal employees, ensure service delivery, and serve the residents of Tshwane,' the three parties said. Imatu's regional manager Lynette Burns-Coetzee said in a television interview that municipal workers are demoralised and angry over the court's ruling against them regarding the 5.4% salary increases. However, she said, all parties are eager to move forward with a CCMA-facilitated mediation process. 'We might appeal the ruling to the Labour Appeal Court. We might even take it as far as the Constitutional Court. I am not speaking for Samwu but I know it has been in the media saying exactly the same thing,' she said. Burns-Coetzee said the CCMA will mediate discussions on the 3.5% dispute, aiming to bypass lengthy procedures and reach a settlement that can be made a court order. She said the 3.5% dispute being sent back to the bargaining council means starting from scratch, potentially leading to further reviews and prolonging the process by up to three years - a scenario all parties want to avoid. Samwu has criticised the court judgment, arguing it represents a concerning trend of judicial interference in collective bargaining, undermines worker protections, and weakens unions' ability to effectively represent members. Imatu noted in a media statement that Tshwane Mayor announced in April 2025 that the city's cash reserves are expected to reach R2.86 billion in the 2025/26 financial year. Samwu regional secretary, Donald Monakhisi, argued that with the City's reported cash reserves, there is no justification for delaying outstanding salary increases.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Opposition slams ANC ‘cadre deployment' after Shabangu takes MP council speaker post
Millicent Shabangu replaces controversial former speaker Mduduzi Nkosi. Opposition parties in Mpumalanga are not happy about newly elected Emalahleni local municipality speaker Millicent Shabangu. Shabangu, former MMC for finance in Nkangala district municipality, is a senior member of the ANC and former trade unionist. She replaced the controversial Mduduzi 'Mswati' Nkosi, who resigned last week. Shabangu previously represented the South African Municipal Workers Union( Samwu) in the Nkangala region and was provincial gender secretary for the Congress of South African Trade Unions. 'no confidence in new speaker' Mpumalanga EFF leader Collen Sedibe said: 'We have no confidence in the newly elected speaker. Hence, the EFF took a decision not to participate in that election process. However, we expect the speaker to preside over the council without being partisan and avoid representing the interests of the ANC. ALSO READ: ANC redeploys controversial speaker amid alleged fallout over suspended MMCs 'In addition, we will monitor closely if the speaker will follow the Municipal Systems Act to the letter, more especially, in terms of public participation, failing which the EFF will table the motion of no confidence against her,' Sedibe said. DA raises concerns The DA's Maureen Scheepers said the election of Shabangu was a pivotal moment for the municipality, but comes with serious concerns. 'While the DA respects the outcome of the democratic process, we remain deeply troubled by the ANC's decision to redeploy another cadre into a position that demands impartiality, accountability and integrity. 'This appointment risks perpetuating the dysfunction and political favouritism that led to the collapse of credibility under former speaker Mduduzi Mswati Nkosi. 'The people of eMalahleni cannot afford a continued term of biased leadership that prioritises party loyalty over public service,' Scheepers said. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga ANC councillors granted bail in R500k corruption case She said the DA would hold the new speaker to the highest standards of fairness and transparency. 'We will continue to be a vocal advocate for clean governance and we will not hesitate to call out any attempts to undermine the integrity of council proceedings. Our fight for a functional, service-driven municipality continues.' Emalahleni municipal spokesperson Lebohang Mofokeng was not available for comment. Samwu welcomes new speaker Samwu provincial secretary Sam Lekhuleni welcomed the new speaker and said the union was excited because she had vast experience in and knowledge of local government. 'Service delivery in that municipality is at the lowest.' NOW READ: Outrage over Limpopo council's R3 million Warmbaths conference
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Labour Court ruling sparks controversy over wage increases for Tshwane municipal workers
South African Municipal Workers Union members who previously embarked on march to demand that the City of Tshwane honour the historical wage agreement, which includes wage increases of 3,5% and 5,4% from 2021 and 2023, respectively. Image: Oupa Mokoena/ Independent Media Municipal workers' labour unions have expressed disappointment over a May 9 Labour Court ruling that exempted the City of Tshwane from implementing a 5,4% wage increase for the 2023/2024 financial year. The court also ruled that the City's exemption application regarding the 3,5% wage increase for the 2021/2022 financial year should be reconsidered by a different exemption panellist, to be appointed by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC). The City approached the court two years ago after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council. The City argued in one of its applications that implementing the wage agreement, without an exemption, would require it to spend R489 million on increases, violating the Municipal Finance Management Act. Reacting to the ruling, the South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu), General Secretary, Dumisane Magagula, said: 'This judgment represents a deeply troubling intervention by the courts in the collective bargaining process, with far-reaching consequences for workers' rights.' The union claims the ruling is not a neutral legal decision, but rather a judicial endorsement of austerity, contributing to a concerning trend of courts interfering with collective bargaining, undermining worker protections, and weakening unions' ability to represent members effectively. Samwu also said the Labour Court's decision to override SALGBC's authority is 'a direct attack on the autonomy of collective bargaining". "By substituting the SALGBC's 2023 ruling with its own determination, the court has overstepped its role, improperly venturing into the evaluation of complex financial evidence and affordability criteria, a terrain rightfully reserved for bargaining councils with their specific expertise in labour relations within the sector,' the union said. On the other hand, the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu), said it is preparing an action plan, which includes consulting with its legal team to explore all available options such as potential appeals. 'While the outcome is certainly not what we anticipated, our resolve remains firm. We are currently analysing the full implications of the judgment to determine the most strategic course of action to protect our members' rights and interests,' the union said. The union further said the ruling directly impacts workers' livelihoods, citing that the cost of living increases in 2021 and 2023 already put significant financial strain on Tshwane's municipal workers. Imatu is demanding transparency and accountability, arguing that the City cannot claim financial stability to the public while citing financial distress to justify not paying its workforce. 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 ✕ 'In April 2025, during her State of the Capital Address, Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya announced that the City's cash reserves are projected to reach R2,86 billion in the 2025/26 financial year. This projection was presented as a significant milestone towards financial stability,' the union said. Tshwane's Samwu regional secretary, Donald Monakhisi, recently said with the City's reported R2,86 billion in cash reserves, there is no justification for delaying the implementation of outstanding salary increases. Former Mayor Cilliers Brink, under whose administration the City applied for the exemption from the wage increase, said the council's decision was difficult but necessary for the city's financial rescue mission, which is ongoing, and to improve service delivery and value for residents. Grandi Theunissen, a Freedom Front Plus councillor, said: 'The ruling affirms the Freedom Front Plus's responsible and principled actions in the previous administration. The party also defended the case to the end along with some of its coalition partners.'
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Activists, unions welcome SIU's investigation into corruption in the City of Mbombela
DA member of the Mpumalanga legislature James Masango said the province had been 'plagued by heightened service delivery challenges'. Human rights activists and unions have welcomed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigating allegations of maladministration and corruption in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga. It follows an instruction from President Cyril Ramaphosa to look into seven contracts and other related issues in the municipality. 'The SIU will probe any related unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the state about the awarding of tenders,' said the unit. The tenders and issues under scrutiny include: Investigation and legal services; The installation of internal municipal civil engineering services; Construction of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing units; The provision of project management under the integrated residential development programme at Emjindini in Barberton; Engineering services; Construction of the R538 Hazyview to Numbi Gate road; The appointment of professional consultants for the establishment of the strategic programmes and projects support unit for the municipality; The turnkey energy efficiency and demand side management programme; and The implementation of the construction of phase 1 of the Nsikazi North bulk water scheme. The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees, their suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated. The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 16 February 2015 and 2 May 2025, as well as any related activities before 16 February 2015 and after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities or contracts. SAMWU welcomes investigation The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Mpumalanga welcomed the proclamation and said it confirms its long-standing call to fight corruption and malfeasance in the municipality. 'The relevant authorities assigned to oversee these institutions seem to turn a blind eye to such a state of affairs, with no initiative to confront this scourge of systemic corruption,' said Samwu provincial secretary Sam Lekhuleni. 'We, therefore, thank our president in advance for coming to rescue the situation and reiterate our call to sponsor the noble idea by extending the investigation to the various municipalities in the Mpumalanga province to root out corruption once and for all. ALSO READ: SIU recovers R58 million from SABC and Sita irregular contracts 'Good news' Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse said much of the deterioration in municipalities was linked to financial mismanagement and procurement irregularities. 'These in turn give rise to corruption and losses of billions of rands to nefarious activities,' he said. 'We welcome this proclamation. However, there is so much work that is now finding its way into the ambit of the SIU that one wonders if the Treasury will be increasing the budget allocations to this entity, as well as the National Prosecuting Authority to fulfil their respective mandates and hold the many people to account for this misdeed.' Corruption Watch attorney Nkululeko Conco said the proclamation shows the key roles played by whistleblowers and the need to ensure law enforcement agencies are supported and resourced. 'Once again, it is clear that corruption affects the most vulnerable in society as the proclamation also authorises an investigation into the construction of RDP housing units.' Mpumalanga's problems DA member of the Mpumalanga legislature James Masango said the province had been 'plagued by heightened service delivery challenges'. 'We find it concerning that tenders relating to the provision of water and housing development were flagged by the SIU,' he added. NOW READ: SIU dismisses claims it's conducting audit of marriage certificates of foreigners
