Strike-hit uMhlathuze facing criminal charges
The uMhlathuze Municipality is facing a criminal case over a pileup of uncollected waste as a result of a protracted workers' strike.
Workers affiliated with SAMWU downed tools last month over unpaid overtime and alleged unfair labour practices.
The African Movement Congress has now gone to the police.
Chairperson Ethan Ramkuar says refuse collection in the city came to a halt in mid-June.
He says the municipality unsuccessfully tried to have the strike declared unlawful last week.
Ramkuar says that instead of engaging directly with workers, the municipality took them to court.
"The council and the municipality failed in such a crucial and basic human right - removing waste refuse. For the past 21 days or so, and still is, in a state, even though they're trying to do some cleanup operation with the amount of dirt and trash being all over the place.
“We want to set an example to make sure that this municipality will be held criminally liable for its failure in service delivery."
A case of contravention of the National Environmental Management Act is being investigated
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