Protesting eThekwini Municipality workers have intensified their strike action since Wednesday, 28 February, when they blocked Electron Road near Springfield with burning debris, causing disruptions along the M19.
In a bid to put the brakes on the on-going protest, the eThekwini Municipality launched a late-night interdict application on Wednesday in the Durban Labour Court, to prevent workers from striking. The workers had turned violent and started blocking main roads in the city.
On Thursday, 29 February, the municipal workers blocked several roads in Durban, Pinetown, Tongaat, and Verulam. The affected roads included Electron Road, Mallaca Road outside the Redhill Cemetery, Sydney Road, Intersite Avenue, Leopald Street, Alice and Grey streets, Pipdale Street in Newlands West and the Tongaat CBD.
Durban Metro Police said they are keeping a watchful eye on the various areas and motorists have been advised to avoid the affected areas and use alternative routes.
The Democratic Alliance has condemned the on-going protest action which “resulted in the closure of roads and interruption of crucial service delivery”.
“While we respect legal and peaceful protesting, we ask that the workers put the residents first. The city is on the verge of total collapse. It has suffered enough as a result of the incompetent leadership of the ANC and its partners,” said DA eThekwini Deputy Caucus Leader, Mzamo Billy.
“There has been a clear vacuum in the city’s leadership and the mayor, Thomas Kaunda, has dismally failed to provide clear guidance to the municipality,” Billy added.
