Afro Voice reports that the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) has distanced itself from what its provincial secretary Jaycee Ncanana is calling “acts of criminality” following allegations by the Ugu district municipality that striking workers are responsible for sabotaging water supplies in the area.

For over a week now, thousands of Ugu residents have been left with dry taps and reliant on water tankers as the strike rages on.

Municipal workers, some represented by Samwu, downed tools last week following the implementation of no work, no pay after they embarked on an illegal strike in March. The deductions came into effect in May, leaving many angry at the salary cuts.

Ncanana, who condemned the alleged acts of sabotage, said they were willing to negotiate with the municipality and denied the allegation that Samwu members were part of the sabotage. “They must present us with proof so that members can be dealt with,” he said.

“We have been trying to negotiate with the municipality but they are not willing to come to the table. During this time service delivery is being affected, but the problem is not of our making. As the leaders of Samwu, we did not sanction any act of sabotage.”

The original of this report by Sibongiseni Maphumulo appeared on page 6 of Afro Voice of 6 June 2018

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