KwaZulu-Natal: KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has taken action to resolve the ongoing stalemate at the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, which has disrupted service delivery for an extended period.
According to South African Government News Agency, Buthelezi organized a meeting with various stakeholders, including ratepayers, business representatives, trade unions, and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality leaders, to address the three-month-long workers’ strike. This strike has severely impacted service delivery, particularly affecting the tourism sector in Port Shepstone, a key economic area.
The meeting, held last Friday at the municipality’s council chamber, included attendance from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Deputy Mayor Sibusiso Shange, business forum representatives, tourism businesses, amakhosi, and ratepayers. The strike has led to substantial financial losses for businesses and forced residents to find alternative solutions for essential services such as waste collection, water, and electricity.
The conflict arose from an arbitration award concerning back pay and the regrading of workers after the 2016 merger of Ezinqolweni and Hibiscus Coast Local Municipalities to create Ray Nkonyeni Municipality. The municipality’s appeal against the arbitration decision is still pending in the Labour Court. Industrial action began in October 2024, with workers pressing for the municipality to comply with the award.
During the meeting, Buthelezi allowed stakeholders to voice their concerns and offer solutions. Business and tourism representatives highlighted the significant losses due to the disruption in service delivery, while amakhosi emphasized the urgent need for resolution, citing the negative effects on businesses and residents.
Buthelezi remarked that the municipality could have managed the situation more effectively to prevent a complete shutdown. He stressed the department’s responsibility to mediate and provide all parties with a final opportunity for constructive engagement and resolution.
He stated that the department is allowing a two-week period for resolution before taking decisive action. The primary aim is to protect jobs and prevent businesses from suffering further irreparable harm. Stakeholders, including amakhosi, have shown a desire to end the strike, with an expectation of reaching a solution by 31 January 2025. If the issue remains unresolved, the department will consider further interventions.
Buthelezi is scheduled to return to the municipality on 31 January 2025 to assess progress and determine the next steps.