Nkosi-Molobane has ordered an immediate halt to the illegal strike by Pikitup employees belonging to South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu).
She said the strike was against the backdrop of two court orders issued in November 2015 and February 2016, banning the employees of engaging in an unprotected strike. “Furthermore, it is worrying that the illegal strike has so far resulted in unbecoming behaviour of damage to property, violation of the court order, threats posed to motorists, hawkers and ordinary citizens alike,” said Nkosi-Malobane.
She added that the Gauteng City Region maintained an open door policy with respect to labour relations where issues could be thrashed out openly with the aim of finding amicable solutions. In the event that this is not taken advantage of, the Gauteng City Region would have no option but to take action against all those breaking the law. “I have issued an instruction to the police provincial commissioner and the Chief of Johannesburg Metro Police to disallow illegal marches henceforth in the city as it is purely unlawful and has since resulted in disruption of property, intimidation, and pure lawlessness by those engaging in the march,” Nkosi-Malobane said.
She added that the Regulations of Gathering Act and the Labour Relations Act stipulated clearly that permission must be sought within 48 hours of a planned march, and people engaging in a march must not endanger the lives, personal safety or health of the whole or any part of the population.
