A protest by municipal workers in Winnie Madikizela Mandela local municipality brought services to a grinding halt on Thursday, 12 December. The protest was sparked by the municipal grading of employment, which workers claim has resulted in unfair salary disparities.
According to Njongo Ngalonkulu, speaking on behalf of the protesting workers, “We are here because of grading. Senior managers are earning a grade 5 salary, while ordinary employees are still earning a grade 2 salary, which has been the case since 2012.” Ngalonkulu emphasized that the workers are demanding equal grading, as they all work for the same employer.
The protest resulted in the shutdown of municipal offices, leaving the community without essential services. One pedestrian lamented, “The municipality must just give these people what they want; we are now suffering to get basic services.”
The situation has left the town in a state of disarray, with trash scattered all over the streets and a strong stench of sewage filling the air. The municipal spokesperson was not available for comment, and the situation remains unresolved.
As the protest continues, the community remains affected by the lack of essential services. The workers have vowed to take further action if their demands are not met.
