MEC Xasa must intervene in Inxuba Yethemba Municipality labour unrest: DA

The Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape says the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Fikile Xasa, must intervene in labour disputes in Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality, which have brought service delivery to a standstill.

"Since 22 February 2017 workers have been engaged in strike action, because of unresolved labour disputes, stopping delivery of services including refuse removal, provision of water, electricity supply, and municipal account payments," said Bettie Lawens, a DA PR Councillor at the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality.

"The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU)  aligned workers embarked on an illegal strike as senior municipal officials and labour union leaders are fighting amongst each other over unresolved labour matters.

"Although we understand that it is within the workers' right to strike, we strongly condemn illegal disruptive strike actions. Strike actions have disrupted Council meetings and a range of other important scheduled meetings."

Lawens said that the DA has assisted in opening criminal cases at the local Cradock SAPS relating to attempted arson of municipal office buildings, and damaged caused to electrical property, as well as private property.

"The political and worker instability has become untenable and life threatening.

"As the official opposition of the council with the support and help of our member in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, MPL Kobus Botha, we will write to MEC Xasa, who is responsible for local government in the province," she added.

"The MEC needs to intervene to ensure that service delivery does not grind to a halt any longer.

"The DA will continue to do everything possible to hold those responsible to account and ensure residents of Inxuba Yethemba receive quality basic services."