{"id":17383,"date":"2025-07-22T11:13:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T09:13:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=17383"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:12:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:12:47","slug":"outrage-as-city-of-tshwane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/outrage-as-city-of-tshwane\/","title":{"rendered":"Outrage as City of Tshwane Blocks Legally Approved Workers\u2019 Protest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On 22 July 2025, a group of City of Tshwane employees found themselves at the centre of a heated dispute over workers\u2019 rights and municipal governance. What started as a lawfully planned protest outside Tshwane House approved under South Africa\u2019s Gatherings Act ended in frustration when city officials abruptly shut down the demonstration. This sudden intervention by municipal authorities has sparked widespread outrage, not only among the affected workers and their unions, but also among advocates for constitutional rights and transparent government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2025\/06\/27\/16-days-of-water-outages-in-joburg\/#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">16 Days of Water Outages in Joburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni: List of Affected Areas<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"workplace-grievances-fuel-the-fire\">Workplace Grievances Fuel the Fire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the heart of the protest lie long-standing grievances that have left municipal employees feeling both financially strained and professionally marginalised. Central to their demands is the payment of a 3.5% salary increase, originally agreed upon in 2021 but still not implemented. Workers also seek the reinstatement of 182 colleagues dismissed in the aftermath of a previous strike in 2021, and they are calling for greater accountability regarding alleged wasteful spending by the municipality. Workers point to a recent auditor-general\u2019s report highlighting R4.5 billion in wasteful expenditure and a further R5 billion in unauthorised spending in recent years, insisting that the city has the means to honour its commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-27761118\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-permission-granted-then-denied\">Legal Permission Granted, Then Denied<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The employees had taken care to follow the law, applying for and receiving official permission to stage their protest. However, as they gathered to make their voices heard, they were informed by the city\u2019s head of human resources that municipal staff are subject to additional internal requirements effectively cancelling their lawful assembly at the last minute. This unexpected move left many feeling disrespected and sidelined, despite their adherence to legal procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Themba Nkabinde, leader of the Concerned Tshwane Workers Forum, captured the mood: \u201cWe were not giving up. The city claims they have no money, but the auditor-general found R9 billion wasted while the city claims it has no money for workers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sekete Mokobane, deputy convenor of the forum, echoed this frustration: \u201cThe city should reinstate the dismissed workers. They had to go back to the drawing board and reapply to picket.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"union-prepares-for-legal-fight\">Union Prepares for Legal Fight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The South African Municipal Workers\u2019 Union (SAMWU) has signalled its intention to escalate the matter. Donald Monakisi, regional secretary of SAMWU, confirmed the union\u2019s position: \u201cThe 3.5% salary increase, owed to workers since 2021, must be honoured. The delay in payment has imposed significant financial strain on municipal workers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SAMWU\u2019s legal team is now preparing for an exemption hearing, determined to secure what they see as their members\u2019 rightful due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-951828748\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tshwane-labour-relations-a-wider-crisis\">Tshwane Labour Relations: A Wider Crisis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This incident is not an isolated one. Recent years have seen repeated clashes between Tshwane\u2019s workforce and city management over wages, dismissals, and working conditions. While the municipality cites financial constraints as the reason for withheld wage increases, employees argue that mismanagement and wasteful spending are the real obstacles to a fair settlement. The auditor-general\u2019s figures lend weight to their case, fuelling scepticism about the city\u2019s claims of poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Issue<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Workers\u2019 Position<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>City\u2019s Position<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Salary increase<\/td><td>Pay the overdue 3.5% (2021 agreement)<\/td><td>Can\u2019t afford due to financial constraints<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dismissed workers<\/td><td>Reinstate 182 colleagues<\/td><td>No official response<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wasteful spending<\/td><td>R9 billion identified by auditor-general<\/td><td>City claims no money<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"constitutional-rights-at-stake\">Constitutional Rights at Stake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, provided gatherings comply with the Gatherings Act. The decision to block a legally approved protest raises serious questions about respect for these constitutional protections. Experts warn that such actions risk eroding public confidence in both municipal governance and the rule of law, especially when workers have followed the correct legal channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CHECK OUT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/pretoria-water-outage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pretoria Water Outage Leaves Gauteng Residents Frustrated<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3107125872\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consequences-for-service-delivery-and-community-tr\">Consequences for Service Delivery and Community Trust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The immediate fallout extends beyond the workforce. If tensions are not resolved, further industrial action could disrupt essential municipal services, affecting water, electricity, and waste management for many residents. Past disputes have already led to service interruptions, and ongoing unrest threatens to deepen the divide between the city and its employees and, by extension, the community they serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-next-for-tshwane\">What\u2019s Next for Tshwane?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Workers and their unions are not backing down. SAMWU is pursuing legal avenues, while employees regroup to reapply for permission to picket. The city, meanwhile, faces growing pressure to address both the immediate grievances and the underlying issues of trust and accountability. The outcome of this standoff will have implications not only for Tshwane, but for labour relations across South Africa\u2019s municipalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4096847459\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"broader-takeaways\">Broader Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This episode highlights the delicate balance between municipal governance, workers\u2019 rights, and constitutional freedoms. It underscores the importance of transparent financial management, good-faith negotiation, and respect for lawful protest. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/news\/tshwane-shuts-down-workers-protest-at-last-minute\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">For residents<\/a>, the stakes are real: service delivery depends on a motivated, fairly treated workforce, and trust in local government hinges on accountability and responsiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Did the workers have the right to protest?<\/strong><br>Yes, they obtained legal permission under the Gatherings Act before the city intervened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are the main issues at stake?<\/strong><br>Workers are demanding unpaid salary increases, the reinstatement of dismissed colleagues, and accountability for wasteful municipal spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How have unions responded?<\/strong><br>SAMWU is preparing legal action to compel the city to honour the wage agreement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Outrage as Tshwane blocks a legally approved workers\u2019 protest. Read about the latest municipal labour dispute, constitutional rights, and what it means for service delivery. Full details on the strike, demands, and expert insights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":17393,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Outrage as Tshwane blocks a legally approved workers\u2019 protest. Read about the latest municipal labour dispute, constitutional rights, and what it means for service delivery. Full details on the strike, demands, and expert insights.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[3987,9837],"class_list":{"0":"post-17383","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-city-of-tshwane","9":"tag-protest"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17383","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17383"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17383\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17400,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17383\/revisions\/17400"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17383"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17383"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17383"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}