Ongoing salary crisis in North West municipalities
Statement by Namhla Notshaya, Provincial Secretary of the UDM in North West
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in North West expresses its deep concern regarding the ongoing salary crisis affecting municipal workers across municipalities in the province.
Recent reports indicate that many workers have faced significant delays in receiving their salaries. It has come to our attention that municipalities such as Ditsobotla, Mamusa, Maquassi Hills, and Lekwa-Teemane have consistently failed to meet their salary obligations, with some workers experiencing delays of more than two months.
We stand in solidarity with the affected workers who have borne the consequences of these failures. While we recognise the importance of paying service providers, it is unacceptable to expect municipal workers to continue providing their labour without compensation.
It is particularly troubling to hear accounts of workers being forced to borrow from loan sharks, leading them into a vicious cycle of debt. This crisis is a clear indication of poor financial management and governance at the municipal level, which must be addressed urgently.
We urge the North West provincial government and municipal leadership to rectify this situation. Responsible governance should prioritise the welfare of municipal workers and ensure that their salaries are paid on time.
The UDM in North West calls upon the provincial government to intervene in this crisis, ensuring that municipal workers receive their due salaries without further delay. The dignity and rights of workers must be upheld.
