Ratepayers in KwaDukuza are calling for urgent intervention to end a strike by municipal workers that has disrupted essential services across the town.
Hundreds of employees affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) downed tools this week, citing unpaid overtime, unresolved job grading issues, and delayed performance evaluations. The protest has severely impacted refuse collection and street cleaning.
Workers marched to the municipal offices in Ballito to voice their frustrations, while residents grapple with the fallout.
“There’s been major traffic disruption,” said Brian Pottinger of the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association. “Reports have emerged of property damage, and litter being deliberately scattered onto the streets. Attempts to clean it up are often undone, as it's thrown back again.”
Pottinger added that the strike is affecting local businesses and delaying emergency services, describing it as “a major inconvenience causing harm to all of us.”
Residents are urging the municipality and SAMWU to reach a resolution quickly to restore order and essential services.