A Mpumalanga local municipality has become a war following unrest protest over the Municipality’s fraud allegation.
Years of fraud, corruption, and mismanagement of municipal funds at the Lekwa Local Municipality have led workers to open a criminal case against the municipal manager over several issues which led to the collapse of the municipality.
The past few weeks have led the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) to shut down offices demanding that the municipal manager be suspended with immediate effect pending investigation.
The municipality has been labeled as one of the most mismanaged local municipalities in the country.
Following a decision by the provincial department, it was early this year, placed under administration. The provincial Department of Cogta was tasked to intervene in the affairs of the municipality.
This marks the second week since the municipal workers have downed tools, demanding that the municipality pay the 6.5% with immediate effect.
In a memorandum that was handed by the union, issues of safety personnel, demand the municipality to comply with the collective agreement and pay workers 6.25% with immediate effect, among other things.
Speaking of the union’s Deputy Chairperson, Sifiso Zacarias, he said the trust and relationship between the Municipal Manager and employees are damaged and the situation continues to deteriorate for municipal workers.
“We request the Municipal Manager to be put on a special leave and Forensic Investigation be conducted where the outcome will be guided by the council.”
