In what was intended to be a peaceful demonstration, SAMWU protests turned violent as municipal workers clashed with riot police outside the Tshwane Metro building in Pretoria, Gauteng, on Wednesday.
WATCH: SAMWU protests disintegrate into chaos
The protests were organised by workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in response to the 0% wage and salary increase approved by the council for the 2023/24 financial year.
Workers Express Dissatisfaction
On Wednesday, disgruntled workers gathered at the old Marabastad bus depot in the morning before marching to Tshwane House to voice their grievances.
The main concern was the lack of wage increases, which has added economic strain to the workers’ livelihoods.
At least 39% of the municipal budget is allocated to salaries, according to Executive Mayor Cilliers Brink, making it difficult for the City to grant pay raises.
Chaos Erupts During the March
As the SAMWU protesters made their way to Tshwane House, confrontations with riot police broke out unexpectedly.
The clashes occurred despite initial expectations that the march would be peaceful. The situation escalated, and tensions between the protesters and the police intensified.
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Calls for Change in Wage Policies
During the demonstrations, Precious Theledi, the regional union secretary, stressed the need for the City to seek alternatives to address workers’ economic hardships.
She asserted that workers had not received any salary increases for two years, making it challenging for them to cope with the rising cost of living.
The union aimed to pressure the employer to find a solution and alleviate the financial burden on workers.
In response to the protests, Mayor Brink and City Manager Johann Mettler held a meeting with SAMWU leadership, demonstrating the City’s willingness to engage with unions through official channels.
“Meeting with SAMWU leadership together with the City Manager Mr Johann Mettler and MMC Kingsley Wakelin. We respect the role of unions and we are willing to engage through productive official channels,” the mayor tweeted.