This morning, 6 July, Randfontein municipal employees started protesting in front of the Rand West Local City Municipality at 7.30 am.
The Herald was on the scene, and saw a number of tyres burning at the entrance to the municipal building and inside the hallway of the reception area. Protesters told the Herald that they were supposed to have been paid a type of bonus amount by yesterday, 5 July, but the payments hadn’t been made.
They were also furious because, according to them, Westonaria’s municipal employees had received their money. One of the protesters said there is a big division between the former Randfontein Municipality and the former Westonaria Municipality, which are supposed to be have become one.
Also Read: Strike at municipality over salary grievances
The Herald’s journalist was shown a memorandum in which the Rand West Local City Municipality had signed an agreement that the money will be paid on or by 5 July. The employees also said they will not be working today.
The Herald followed the protesters into the building where they gathered, waiting to be addressed by the Municipal Manager, Themba Goba, but was asked to leave the gathering as it was an internal employee meeting.
Both the Randfontein Police and Traffic Department were on the scene.
The Herald asked for comment from Tshidiso Thlaripe, the spokesperson for the Executive Mayor, Mzi Khumalo, who said he had asked the Municipal Pay Office to provide him with the number of people who are entitled to the benefits and reasons why payment had not been effected. He is awaiting those facts.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
