Tshwane to Implement 3.5% Wage Increase for Municipal Workers Amid Budget Debate

City faces scrutiny over councillor raises amid long-overdue worker salary adjustments

The City of Tshwane has confirmed it will implement 3.5% salary increases for municipal workers for the 2021-2022 period, following a decisive ruling by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council. The council rejected the city’s bid for an exemption, forcing the municipality to prioritise worker wages even as councillors continue to enjoy generous pay hikes.

Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise stated that the city will not challenge the ruling, choosing instead to work with labour unions to ensure the award is implemented in a practical and sustainable manner.

“We respect the outcome of the process and remain committed to upholding the principles of collective bargaining, good governance and labour stability,” Modise said.

Labour Unions Criticise DA’s Position

The announcement has stirred strong reactions from the labour front. Dumisane Magagula, general secretary of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), criticised the DA’s Jacqui Uys for publicly questioning the ruling, calling it an “open war against the working class.”

Magagula highlighted the DA’s perceived hypocrisy, pointing out that while the city argued affordability concerns over worker raises, councillors recently approved a 5% salary increase for themselves. He described the long-overdue wage adjustments as a racial and economic justice issue, noting that the bulk of affected workers are black employees.

“The financial crisis cited by the DA was manufactured under its administration, denying workers both the 3.5% (2021-22) and the subsequent 5.4% (2023-24) salary increases,” said Magagula.

He also called for the unconditional reinstatement of 41 unfairly dismissed workers, alongside the immediate payment of the wage increases.

Political and Economic Perspectives

Political analysts weighed in on the debate. Piet Croucamp noted that the city’s ability to pay remains a legitimate question, given financial pressures and austerity measures. Meanwhile, Rene Oosthuizen argued that while budget constraints are real, failing to pay workers undermines morale and service delivery, creating longer-term costs for the municipality.

Economist Dawie Roodt, however, took a more critical stance, suggesting that workers are overpaid relative to the city’s capacity, reinforcing the DA’s argument on affordability.

The Public Eye

Public reaction on social media has been sharply divided. Some residents applauded the move as long-overdue justice for municipal workers, while others questioned whether the city can balance worker wages with service delivery and financial sustainability. Many noted the glaring contrast between councillor raises and delays in municipal worker pay, framing it as a political and ethical issue.

The city will now engage constructively with unions to implement the wage increases while navigating ongoing budgetary constraints. The situation highlights the challenges of local government budgeting, balancing fair worker compensation against service delivery and fiscal realities.

For many municipal employees, this ruling is a hard-won victory, but it also underscores the ongoing tension between political decision-making, labour rights, and financial management in Tshwane.

{Source: The Citizen}

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