Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Chaos erupted at the Matlosana municipal building in the CBD early morning on Friday January 24. Angry employees who did not receive their overtime pay on pay day started a fire at the entrance to the building causing the building to be evacuated.
The fire was extinguished by a fire extinguisher that caused the extreme white smoke. No injuries were reported although some employees said they were manhandled by some of the 80 strong contingent of disgruntled employees who stormed the building.
The police were called to the scene.
Later the same day, Executive Mayor, Fikile Mahlophe apologised to all employees for what he described as a “misunderstanding regarding overtime payments’’.
He explained that there was a delay in processing overtime documents. This caused frustration and inconvenience to our valued employees.
“We understand the importance of timely compensation for their hard work and dedication.’’
In speaking to the employees, mostly from the water and sewage department, he pledged to resolve the matter.
“We are committed to ensuring that all outstanding overtime payments are processed and paid as soon as possible. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our employees during this time and assure them that we are taking immediate action to prevent such misunderstandings in the future.”
The mayor apologised to the community for the inconvenience caused with the closing of municipal buildings.
Work resumed on Monday January 27.
Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus condemned the incident and said steps should be taken to identify the arsonists.
“They cannot be allowed to get away with this. We cannot allow that service delivery is disrupted and that employees are threatened due to labour disputes,’’ said Cllr Hendrik Jordaan.
