MBOMBELA – A number of locals who had gone to Mbombela Civic Centre to run their errands were frustrated on Monday morning as disgruntled employees had blockaded the entrance.
“I came here to get my water and lights statement printed out since the Post Office is on strike and now this. Why do these people have to inconvenience us just because of issues they have against the municipality, not us,” said an angry woman who could not drive out of the centre.
Another angry motorist said that it was beyond his understanding how South Africans reason when they are faced with challenges.
“Now everyone must stop their schedules just because some people decided not to go to work. We have our own challenges as well, but we do not put other people’s lives to a halt,” he said.
Mbombela Local Municipality’s community services employees told Mpumalanga News that they were frustrated about the municipality ignoring their grievances since 2009, hence they decided to show their anger by blocking the gate.
They also stated that they were fed up with the unfair labour practices and irregular appointments in the department.
The executive mayor, Cllr Sibusiso Mathonsi, expressed his disappointment with the employees when he finally came out of his office to hear them out.
“No one has ever been to my office to complain about what you are saying and now you are blocking the gate and road for innocent people.
We can’t talk about your issues on the street with the media present. If this is not a strike, like you say, let’s go inside and talk,” he told them.
