Solly says unlawful protesters to be charged

Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga yesterday vowed to take action against the municipal workers who held unlawful protests last week.

Pretorius Street in the CBD was blocked as meter readers and SA Municipal Workers Union members took to the streets, demanding permanent appointments. Nine protesters were arrested for public violence.

The revenue management department’s executive director and acting chief financial officer were on Wednesday allegedly held hostage in the council offices at 373 Pretorius Street by about 50 protesting employees whose contracts are soon coming to an end.

On Friday, angry workers stoned cars and burned tyres in the streets.

“Let me be clear. I simply won’t tolerate this unlawful conduct and will ensure that the full might of the law is exerted upon those who continue in their attempts to make the city ungovernable. They have not succeeded thus far and they will not succeed in future,” Msimanga said.

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Three male and six female municipal workers who took part in the demonstration were arrested for violence directed at police and motorists, police spokesperson Captain Bonginkosi Msimanga said.

“They were throwing stones at the police and motorists, burning tyres and dustbins and damaging road signs,” he said.

The Tshwane metro police would be studying CCTV footage to identify perpetrators who incited violence and criminal acts. Aggrieved personnel should make use of the correct dispute avenues regardless of the sensitivity of the dispute, Msimanga said.

“While we recognise the serious nature of the grievances, we have to state that this unruly conduct cannot continue unabated and cannot become the norm. The city operates on an orderly grievance system and will not tolerate the use of violence as a negotiating tactic.”

The march came after a Tshwane official at the Centurion office allegedly referred to workers as “baboons” last week.

They said the official did not allow workers to speak their home language in front of supervisors.

“This is a separate matter which is being duly investigated and communicated this week. Potential action will ensue once investigative proceedings have been concluded.”