By Staff Reporter
QWAQWA – Chaos erupted at the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality on Thursday, 11 December, when disgruntled employees attached to political office-bearers held senior municipal officials hostage in a dramatic protest over salaries and benefits.
The angry employees allegedly detained several officials, including the Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), demanding the implementation of promised salary adjustments and benefits. The group claimed they are underpaid and excluded from standard benefits such as cellphone allowances, medical aid and other perks enjoyed by officials at similar levels.
They said the situation has severely affected their livelihoods and their ability to carry out official duties.
“The municipality admitted that we are underpaid and agreed to increase our salaries because we do not enjoy the same benefits as permanent officials. The municipal manager and the former corporate director signed the agreement, but nothing has been implemented,” said a 34-year-old political official who asked not to be named.
“We were later told the municipality has no money and that the equitable share has not been allocated.”
Those held during the standoff included Municipal Manager Advocate Mzwakhe Mofokeng, the CFO, supply chain management officials and key members of the finance department. Their detention disrupted critical administrative and financial operations, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Another political official told The Guard that the municipality lacks functional landline telephones, forcing staff to rely on personal cellphones, airtime and even private vehicles to conduct official business.
“Human Resources questions Finance about why employees are paid without proper consultation, yet our salaries do not match what appears on our payslips,” the official said.
Municipal spokesperson Thabo Kessah attributed the discrepancies to changes within political offices during the current and previous terms, saying the matter is receiving urgent attention.
“We fully understand the frustrations of the affected workers, especially at this time of the year. However, dissatisfaction should not lead to any form of criminality,” Kessah warned.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that officers were dispatched to the municipality after the officials were held for several hours.
“Police were called to rescue the victims, and officers intervened to ensure their safety. No case has been opened and no arrests have been made,” Mophiring said.
