Joburg Water confirms over 2,000 workers on unprotected strike

Johannesburg Water confirmed on 10 February that its workers are currently engaged in an unprotected strike.

Spokesperson Nondumiso Mabuza said that more than 2,000 members of the South African Municipal Workers Union downed tools on Friday, 6 February.

She explained that the strike centers on last year’s performance management and bonuses, with workers demanding improved compensation.

The industrial action has placed additional strain on service delivery and operational stability, in addition to the water crisis already facing the city.

RELATED: Civil society calls for Joburg water crisis to be declared a national disaster

“It is a significant portion of our workforce that is impacting negatively on service delivery, and with that in mind, we are currently trying to get contractors to assist with service queries for all depots across the city,” she said. 

Mabuza added that the city is working to replenish reservoirs and supply water through tankers, but described the situation as dire, with many areas such as Midrand and Soweto experiencing little to no water supply.

“It could not have been avoided, and we apologise profusely for the inconvenience,” she said.

To listen to Mabuza in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Mandy Wiener, click the audio player below: