By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – MAPWater employees have challenged the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality’s consultation process on the proposed disestablishment of the entity, saying labour laws were not properly followed.
South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) MAPWater chairperson Martin Leeaba said employees were notified on 3 February to attend a consultation meeting held on 9 February 2026 at MAPWater offices.
The notice, issued from acting CEO Benjamin Mqenebe’s office, stated that management would engage workers on the council’s resolution to disestablish MAPWater.
Leeaba said workers attended the meeting, which was addressed by Municipal Manager Mzwakhe Mofokeng and Executive Mayor Malekula Melato.
“The municipal manager said he was consulting employees on the disestablishment of MAPWater,” Leeaba said. “We are not against being informed, but the consultation process was incorrect.”
He said workers objected on procedural grounds, citing the Labour Relations Act. Leeaba argued that Sections 84 to 86 require consultations to take place through recognised labour structures, such as the Local Labour Forum (LLF), with joint decision-making between management and labour representatives.
“Management should first engage the LLF and shop stewards before addressing workers directly. That did not happen,” he said.
In response, municipal communications manager Thabo Kessah said council resolved to disestablish MAPWater more than two years ago.
“The process started immediately thereafter and is continuing. It will soon reach its logical conclusion,” Kessah said.
