Samwu slams Tshwane claims over ‘hijacked’ employee

The man was attacked shortly after completing his shift in Montana on Saturday evening, in what the city has described as a hijacking incident.

The city has been operating with a skeleton staff since workers affiliated with Samwu downed tools in July.

The municipal workers are unhappy over various issues, including the non-payment of salary increases.

Workers are demanding 3.5% and 5.4% salary increases, an amount that Brink said the city cannot afford.

The city believes Samwu members were responsible for the attack after their strike "degenerated into thuggery and wanton criminality".

But Samwu regional secretary in Tshwane Precious Theledi says the employee who was shot and subsequently rushed to hospital is a union member. 

"As Samwu, we take exception to the accusations made by Mr Bokaba on behalf of the city and the City Manager, Mr Johann Mettler. As we said, the employees who were harassed and later shot are members of the union. 

“Our members have a great sense of solidarity, patriotism and will never attack fellow members, employees or members of the community. The union and its members have nothing to benefit from this incident.

“In its attempt to gain public sympathy, pit workers against each other and communities, the city, through Mr Bokaba, made serious allegations against the union and its members," said Theledi.

Theledi alleges that it was not the first time an employee has been attacked or robbed on duty.

"We have reported to the city many incidents wherein workers were attacked, robbed and assaulted by criminals while they were on duty.

The city has continuously failed to ensure that employees are provided with a safe and healthy working environment in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”

Theledi said they demand an immediate retraction from the city

"Samwu, therefore, demands the immediate retraction of the statement issued by Mr Bokaba on behalf of Mr Mettler and the city. We further demand that Mr Bokaba and Mettler publicly apologise to municipal workers, SAMWU and its members for the unfounded allegations which they have made.

“Our members, and municipal workers in general remain committed to providing services to residents of Tshwane. The delivery of services can, however not come at the cost of municipal workers’ lives. We once again wish a speedy recovery to our members and trust that the other employees will be provided with the necessary support by the city," said Theledi.

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