The ongoing strike by eThekwini municipal workers, affiliated with SAMWU, has caused disruptions in essential services such as water and waste management across the metro. The strike, which began on 27 February, has left many households struggling to access basic services like water, sewage management, and electricity. Refuse collection has also been affected, impacting communities in various suburbs.

The strike has led to large piles of uncollected rubbish in the streets, sewage leaks, and electricity issues in areas like Hillcrest, Embo, Mariannridge, and many more. Residents in Ntuzuma C Section, for example, went without water for a month before it was restored. The community felt neglected by the municipality, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of action to resolve the issues.

SAMWU eThekwini chairperson, Siyabonga Dladla, has called for the reopening of collective bargaining to address worker concerns. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has also urged the minister of COGTA to intervene and standardize local government salary structures. The ongoing strike highlights deep-rooted issues within the sector.

In response to the strike, the municipality has obtained an urgent interdict from the Labour Court to prevent violence and interference with municipal activities. The City has suspended employees and issued misconduct notices to others engaging in unlawful conduct. Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has urged residents not to tip off striking workers about service restoration efforts to prevent attacks on employees.

Kaunda emphasized the City’s commitment to reinstating services promptly and addressing security threats to infrastructure. He urged communities to keep waste inside until services are restored and called for legal action to ensure striking employees return to work or face dismissal. The strike continues to impact residents, highlighting the need for swift resolution and cooperation between stakeholders to restore essential services.