MATLOSANA Local Municipality traffic officers in Klerksdorp in the North West have been on a go-slow since 19 July.
They told Daily Sun that they have reported their grievances of lack of work resources at the council and the city's mayor, James Ntsolela, but it all fell on deaf ears.
"Our uniforms are not in a good condition as most of our pants are torn. How can we go to work with an old uniform?" one traffic officer said.
The traffic officers said the last time they received work uniforms was in 2019.
They said another challenge they are facing is the appointment of unqualified seniors and nepotism.
"There's a person who is appointed as a traffic Chief, but he has no qualifications and no experience for the job," said the traffic officer.
He said a council resolution was taken for the same person to leave the position, but none of our seniors have implemented that resolution.
ALSO READ | Abahlali lived with KAK in their houses!Opens in new window
"The municipal manager had also appointed her younger sister at the traffic department as a senior administrator and that's a clear nepotism," the traffic officer said.
Daily Sun sent a media inquiry to Mayor Ntsolela on Tuesday, 8 August, but there's still no response from the municipality.
They said on Friday, 11 August, traffic seniors took work vehicle keys from some traffic officers, claiming that they don't do their work properly.
"We report for duty every day, but today (Friday) they decided to come and take the vehicle's keys. We will see from here going forward," the traffic officer concluded.
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) local secretary Kamohelo Mokhothu said they strongly condemn the attitude by traffic management in addressing the plight of workers who have been patient for over four years waiting for proper tools to perform their duties.
"Taking away council vehicles from workers means the employer is telling them they should not work. This matter is going to be reported to the labour department for contravention notice," Mokhothu added.
