Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
10 July 2025 | 14:15 CAT
2 min read

Municipal workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in Northern KwaZulu-Natal have been engaged in a protected strike over unresolved pay disputes, poor working conditions, and longstanding labour grievances. The strike, which has drawn significant attention, saw the municipality attempt to halt the industrial action through the courts twice last week. However, the Labour Court dismissed the applications, criticising the municipality for abusing legal processes.

Sthembiso Dlamini, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chairperson for SAMWU, outlined the key issues driving the strike in an interview with Radio Islam. These include health and safety concerns, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), unpaid overtime, and disputes over wage thresholds for workers in categories four to six. “There are a lot of issues that led us to go on strike,” Dlamini said.

While some matters could have been resolved through arbitration, the union opted for a collective approach, submitting a memorandum with nearly 19 unresolved grievances.

The municipality sought urgent court intervention to halt the strike, arguing that it disrupted essential services. However, the Labour Court ruled against the applications, stating that the strike was legally protected and that the municipality had been given sufficient notice of the strike. “The court found that we followed proper procedures. The judge did not believe the matter was urgent and affirmed that the strike is legal,” he said.

With the legal battle settled, both parties have returned to the negotiation table. Dlamini expressed cautious optimism, stating that discussions have been productive. “We are negotiating in good faith and have agreed not to disclose details until an agreement is reached,” he said.

A meeting held earlier this week showed promise, with further negotiations scheduled for Monday.

Message to Workers and the Community

Dlamini urged the Umhlathuze community and workers nationwide to remain patient as negotiations continue. “We are hopeful that there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. The outcome of these talks will not only affect municipal employees but also determine how future labour disputes are handled in the region.

As the strike continues, all eyes remain on whether the municipality will address workers’ demands or risk further disruptions to service delivery. For now, SAMWU’s legal victory stands as a significant moment for workers’ rights in South Africa.

LISTEN to the full interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Sthembiso Dlamini, KZN Provincial Chairperson for SAMWU, here.