Chaos erupted when workers waited for hours for Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza to arrive at what was supposed to be a peaceful motivation session.
The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) march in the Koena Ramotlou (Ekurhuleni) Region exploded into drama when members demanded the mayor come out in person to collect their memorandum.
The drama unfolded on Thursday, 27 November, at the OR Tambo Government Precinct in Germiston after workers were told that the mayor had sent a delegation to collect the memorandum on his behalf. But SAMWU members were having none of it.
Tensions boiled over as frustrated workers pushed forward towards the Ekurhuleni Chambers.
This sparked a fierce standoff with Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers, who formed a barrier to stop the crowd from forcing their way inside.
EMPD, security personnel, and officials tried to contain the determined group, but emotions continued to rise.
The memorandum handed over highlighted long-standing worker grievances, including salary disputes, lack of consultation on business units, encashment of leave days, insourcing of cleaners and security guards, and conditions of service for Metro Police officers.
A short while later, SAMWU leaders were allowed inside the building, where they insisted the mayor must address the workers directly.
Their determination eventually paid off.
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Flanked by heavy security from EMPD, SAPS, and the Protection Unit, Mayor Xhakaza finally appeared alongside Members of the Mayoral Committee. He addressed the workers, accepted their memorandum, and promised to respond.
The SAMWU Regional Secretary, Tshepang Langa, said the union submitted over 20 demands, including payment of acting allowances.
"Acting allowances are part of the SALGBC Gauteng conditions of service. Workers who acted in positions but were never paid must be compensated urgently," he said.
