By REGINALD KANYANE
3 September 2025- The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality said it has noted with concern the unprotected strike action currently being undertaken by some of its employees who blocked entrances with water trucks that are supposed to be providing services to communities.
The municipality said this industrial action, which commenced on Monday, is not sanctioned in terms of the Labour Relations Act and has therefore been declared unprotected.
The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality spokesperson, Lehlohonolo March said as the municipality, they respect the constitutional right of employees to raise grievances. March said, however, such actions must be conducted within the parameters of the law, and through established labour relations platforms.
“The municipality sincerely regrets the inconvenience and disruption that the strike has caused to critical municipal services and the impact it has had on communities across the district.
“Following the executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe’s intervention yesterday, management has been engaging with SAMWU affiliates to find an amicable and lawful resolution to the issues raised,” she said.
March further said the municipality takes this opportunity to clarify that the unprotected strike is not in any way associated with any salaries nor service providers’ payments. She added that the municipality urges all employees to return to work immediately so that essential services to the communities can be restored without further interruption as negotiations continue with the SAMWU leadership in the municipality.
“Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality remains committed to open dialogue, fair labour practices, and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to communities,” said March.
The Guardian 