Things outside Tshwane House were tense on Thursday afternoon, where scores of disgruntled demonstrators were seen gathering in numbers.
Pretoria – Tshwane House: ROADS CLOSED – local routes jammed – AVOID the area pic.twitter.com/9otWL735Ps
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) October 21, 2021
Tshwane House protests: Here’s what we know
in a statement released by Tshwane Metro Police, authorities confirmed that the unrest taking shape outside the city’s government building was led by members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
“Take note of a Road closure at Madiba street between Lillian Ngoyi and Sisulu streets due to a gathering of SAMWU members at the Tshwane house. Motorists are urged to avoid and use alternative roads,” the statement read.
Take note of a Road closure at Madiba street between Lillian Ngoyi and Sisulu streets due to a gathering of SAMWU members at the Tshwane house. Motorists are urged to avoid and use alternative roads. #TMPDSafety pic.twitter.com/xTKmwQRVgN
— Tshwane Metro Police (@TMPDSafety) October 21, 2021
While it’s unclear what the demonstration is about at this time, the union representing public sector workers has been calling for a stay-away at Sedibeng Water, a crucial supply facility that feeds the Free State, North West and Northern Cape.
From what we understand, SAMWU encouraged workers from Sedibeng Water to down tools after they were informed that no salaries would be paid out for October. Compounding the latter is the fact that workers were also informed that no salary increases would be approved for this financial year.
“We support the course of action taken by workers at Sedibeng Water in the three provinces to stop working until their salaries are paid along with the increases, as agreed in the Bargaining Council,” the union noted in a statement.
Road closures to be on the lookout for
At this time, it’s unclear if the events unfolding outside Tshwane House are, in any way, linked to the ongoing protest at Sedibeng Water.
Motorists and commuters have been advised to avoid, at all cost, the following roads:
- Madiba Street
- Lillian Ngoyi
- Sisulu Street