30 Oct 2023 | 09:18 AM UTC
South Africa: Ongoing service delivery protest in Pretoria CBD amid municipal workers' strike, as of Oct. 30 /update 5
Protests, road bloackades reported in Pretoria, South Africa, as of Oct. 30 amid ongoing municipal workers' strike. Possible violence.
As of Oct. 30, a service delivery protest is reportedly affecting streets in Pretoria (Tshwane)'s CBD, with protesters burning tires and blocking roads. The following roads are reportedly affected:
Johannes Ramokhoase Street
Struben Street
Bloed Street
Boom Street
Kgosi Mampuru Street
The protests is linked to an ongoing strike by members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in Pretoria. Disruptions to public services have resulted in water infrastructure maintenance, electricity distribution, and waste collection backlogs. The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality resumed its A Re Yeng and Tshwane Bus services on Oct. 23 after a month-long suspension; buses were stoned by protesters upon service resumption.
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near any protest that materializes, especially near Pretoria's municipal building, the Union Buildings, and the Marabastad market area. Further violence, including the targeting of other public services and transport, is possible. Clashes between police and protesters are possible if demonstrators ignore official orders to disperse or engage in acts of public violence. Municipal employee absenteeism could prompt public service delays.
Avoid all protests; do not drive through road blocks. Allow extra time to reach destinations, and seek alternative of transport if necessary. Reconfirm the status of road routes before departure. Reconfirm administrative appointments. Plan accordingly for service delivery disruptions. Refrain from using public transport due to the likelihood of violence. Plan for increased employee absenteeism.
The strike began on July 26 following the announcement by the local government that there would be no salary increases due to budgetary constraints. Workers are demanding a salary increase of at least 5.4 percent. The strike received the support of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), South Africa's largest trade union. The South African Local Bargaining Council (SALGBC) has ordered the municipality to honor the salary increase agreement signed in 2021, while the Braamfontein Labor Court has declared the strike unprotected.
As of late-October, authorities have reportedly offered to stagger municipal wage bonuses, which the striking union has rejected. Violence has regularly occurred near Tshwane House, the seat of municipal government. Reports suggest that several municipal vehicles were burned by protestors, although SAMWU has denied any involvement. Public service vehicles are likely targets; the latest incidents involved at least five municipal vehicles being set on fire on Sept. 13, and two additional buses being attacked on Sept. 29. The municipality has called for increased police presence, has reportedly dismissed at least 120 employees, including a senior SAMWU member allegedly involved in petrol-bombing a waste removal vehicle. At least 50 criminal charges have so far been laid for damages incurred during the protests.
The strike has also fractured the governing coalition led by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA, raising the possibility of an upcoming vote of no confidence against the incumbent Mayor. In late September, the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) offered its support to dismissed civil servants and threatened additional demonstrations.
