About 400 King Sabata Dalindyebo municipal workers have downed tools, demanding the removal of mayor Dumani Zozo and acting municipal manager Mbulelo Sigaba.
The duo is accused of employing a divide-and-conquer management style.
Due to the strike by Samwu and Imatu-affiliated workers, several streets in Mthatha have been turned into dumping zones since the start of the strike on Wednesday. Affected streets include York Road and Madeira Street, which are the heartbeat of the town’s economy.
But the striking workers shifted the blame, saying the breakaway Samwu faction which is not on strike is responsible for the piles of rubbish in the streets.
They believe this is to tarnish their image.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch on Thursday morning, KSD municipal spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza said the situation was getting worse each day.
“We can confirm that some workers have embarked on strike action.
“Several services have been affected by the strike, including refuse removal,” he said.
The striking workers camped in front of KSD’s headquarters, the Munitata Building, which houses municipal offices including Zozo and Sigaba’s offices.
Samwu chair in KSD, Lwazi Madyibi, told the Dispatch on Thursday they wanted to see the back of Zozo and Sigaba once and for all.
“The mayor has been a source of division in the municipality.
“There were things that we questioned relating to corruption since he took over.
“The acting municipal manager has also involved himself in workers’ divisions instead of focusing on administrative issues.”
Imatu acting chair in KSD, Anam Mkile, however said their action was not necessarily a strike but “we are just waiting here [in front of Munitata Building] for them to come and resolve our issues”.
The two union leaders claimed it had been agreed that about 200 expanded public works programme and contract workers would be absorbed permanently into the municipality’s workforce.
They told the Dispatch they wanted the Special Investigating Unit to probe millions paid out as part of outstanding task grade salary system monies, which were owed to workers for years.
They warned they would not stop with their action until both Zozo and Sigaba were removed...