EFF disrupts Tshwane council meeting

The EFF in Tshwane demanded the reinstatement of the more than 100 South African Municipal Workers Union members who were fired for taking part in an unprotected strike.

The city has been involved in a protracted labour dispute with the union over the city’s refusal to pay agreed-upon salary increases.

Brink maintains the city’s finances do not allow it to pay any increases and has approached the bargaining council to apply for an exemption.

The industrial action has had a dire impact on service delivery, especially refuse collection and the repairing of electricity and water outages. 

During a media briefing on Wednesday, Brink said the city is exploring the possibility of a civil claim against Samwu for damages suffered by the city during the illegal strike. 

"The meeting was violently disrupted by the EFF,” the mayor said on Thursday.

“You have threatened councillors. You have assaulted councillors.  This is a criminal offence. The leader of the EFF caucus (Obakeng) Ramabodu was at the frontline. We refuse to leave this place. We were democratically elected. We won't be driven out of this council chamber," said Brink. 

At the same time, Ramabodu said the EFF will ensure the axed workers are reinstated.

"I am here to promise the workers of the city that there is no city that will continue until 130 plus workers are reinstated by this guy, "said Ramabodu. 

Ramabodu called on EFF members not to allow Brink to address the council meeting. 

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