He was the man who helped get an ANC-run congregation in Mpumalanga back on its feet – with potholes and water problems resolved within 48 hours. But he has been chased away by the unions, who claim he is a dictator. Municipal manager of the local municipality Steve Tshwete, which is centered around Middelburg, Bheki Khenisa, was forced to resign last week by striking members of the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu). Despite Khenisa’s official resignation and the fact that he had left his office in Middelburg, Samwu swore that the strike would continue until April 1,…
He was the man who helped get an ANC-run congregation in Mpumalanga back on its feet – with potholes and water problems resolved within 48 hours.
But he has been chased away by the unions, who claim he is a dictator. Municipal manager of the local municipality Steve Tshwete, which is centered around Middelburg, Bheki Khenisa, was forced to resign last week by striking members of the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu).
Despite Khenisa’s official resignation and the fact that he had left his office in Middelburg, Samwu promised that the strike would continue until April 1, pending the official expiration of Khenisa’s term in office. Some believe the ongoing strike was unnecessary as demand was met.
The strike turned violent last month when the house and a Nissan bakkie of Samwu’s chief wage negotiator and senior store steward, Kgosi Makwati, were bombed with petrol by unknown assailants. He escaped unharmed, but his property was damaged, as was a neighbor’s.
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Last week, new mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela warned the strikers to return to work or they would not be paid their February salaries. Services such as sanitation, garbage disposal, pipe breaks, power cuts and other municipal functions were suspended.
Under Khenisa and former mayor Diphala Motsepe, Steve Tshwete was in the news for his impressive service delivery records in which potholes, water leaks and pipe breaks were repaired within 48 hours.
It is the only ANC-led municipality in the country with such an outstanding track record and regularly clean audit reports.
The majority of residents were satisfied with the services of the municipality, their RDP houses, as well as the always vigilant opposition of the DA.
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