Tshwane traffic has been difficult to navigate on Friday, as municipal workers have taken to the streets in protest.
What is happening in Tshwane?
Members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) caused major disruptions on key routes in the town’s central business district on Friday.
Roads were forcibly excavated and others blocked off with rubble. This, from what we understand, was the response of disgruntled public service workers who were not awarded salary increments as promised by the municipality three years ago.
Moreover, it’s believed municipal workers are boycotting a decision made by the City of Tshwane to reduce staff insurance allowance.
In a statement released on Friday, executive mayor Randall Williams confirmed the City has filed an urgent interdict to prevent SAMWU from causing disruptions to service delivery.
“It is disappointing that despite responding to the matters raised by SAMWU that they submitted on wage increases, that there are SAMWU members in the city that have instead opted to disrupt the work of the municipality,” Williams wrote.
The mayor confirmed Tshwane’s bus services have been disrupted, waste collectors have been intimidated “and staff being denied entry into their offices or threatened as a result of this unlawful strike action.”
“The city will thus be approaching the courts for an interdict against this unlawful labour action. We will also be initiating civil litigation against SAMWU for the wasteful costs incurred as a result of this unlawful strike,” Mayor Williams warned.
Tshwane traffic: Roads to avoid on Friday 22 October 2021
Tshwane metro police have yet to issue an update on efforts being made to quell the violence that’s gripped the city. From what we understand, the following roads are deemed as no-go zones for motorists:
- Madiba Street
- Lilian Ngoyi
- Struben Road
Here are some of the videos that have surfaced from the unrest:
Pretoria CBD – multiple roads closed – HEAVY TRAFFIC #SAMWU pic.twitter.com/ybL6WqyWrF
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) October 22, 2021
#SAMWU #PTA #ptatraffic https://t.co/1frMMkKZEp pic.twitter.com/4HNwAgjnU0
— 😎 Gee Cee 😎 (@geeceechai) October 22, 2021