The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been informed of a decision by Tshwane’s mayoral committee to compel the City administration to re-hire former employees who were dismissed during the violent, unprotected strike of 2023. This includes individuals who participated in acts of public violence, intimidation, assault and wilful destruction of property.
The illegal strike caused immense damage to the City of Tshwane. Municipal vehicles were torched, infrastructure was vandalised, workers were intimidated, an employee was shot, and critical services including refuse removal, public transport and electricity operations were severely disrupted.
Residents and ratepayers paid the price for weeks.
The DA-led government at the time took a firm stance by dismissing employees involved in this criminality. We sent a clear message that violence is not a legitimate form of negotiation and that intimidation and destruction would not be tolerated as bargaining tools inside the municipality.
The DA will strongly oppose any attempt to reverse disciplinary processes involving misconduct linked to violence and criminality. If such a decision were to go through, it would expose the coalition government’s continued disregard for accountability, discipline and the rule of law.
Furthermore, reeinstating individuals dismissed for serious misconduct would entrench a labour culture of chaos and lawlessness inside the municipality at the direct expense of residents, service delivery and honest municipal employees. It would also legitimise violence, intimidation and the destruction of public property as acceptable tools in future labour disputes.
The DA has written to the City Manager warning that, should these reports prove to be true, and should he proceed with any unlawful reinstatements, the DA will consider legal action.
Any unlawful decisions taken now will be reversed when the DA returns to government in November. ANC, EFF and ActionSA Mayoral Committee members who continue to pressure the municipal administration to carry out unlawful instructions must understand that the DA will hold them personally accountable.