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A sense of elation and celebration coursed through the Newcastle Show Hall on Monday, 3 October 2022, with the Newcastle Municipality, officially welcoming back the dismissed Municipal staff from November 2019.
At the celebratory event, tears of joy were shed by several of the employees, after their reinstatement was officiated at the Newcastle Show Hall, the very place where the protest action in 2019 led to their dismissal
Beaming with excitement, Jabu Mokoena lauded the efforts of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) and the Newcastle Municipality’s leadership.
“As the regional secretary for SAMWU and also as one of the previously dismissed employees, I identify with the hardships, pain and pressure that came with the 2019 tragedy. Today we are alleviated from the shackles of hopelessness and poverty because of the leadership of Newcastle,” announced Mokoena.
Moreover, Newcastle Mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube reiterated that the return of the employees was over and above anything, a sign of Ubuntu and the right thing to do.
“Today, we have indeed made history, I trust moving forward we will work tirelessly for the betterment of the people of our town, your return marks the beginning of something great and it will restore Newcastle to its former glory of being the cleanest city,” remarked the Mayor.
Furthermore, the staff will not be resuming their duties off the bat, as the Newcastle Municipality will be conducting psychological and emotional counselling for the duration of this week.
According to the municipality, they will be back in office as of Monday, 10 October 2022.
With a positive end to a chaotic story, what are your thoughts on all of this? Share your views in the comment section below.
2 Responses
Truth be told it was inhumane, funny enough the ANC rewarded the former Mayor with a high position to say they see no wrong in his action whiles he was failing to address issues that were facing the town and the state of the town in his term of office was horrible. It must be noted that the coalition in Newcastle did a great thing for the employees we thank each and every political structure that did not resist the return of employees it must be said as well that we know as the community that the ANC even now is not happy with this BOLD AND BRAVE step. Next year the ANC should not forget how they made people suffer to serve their interests when they are campaigning for 2024 elections because as Newcastle residents we will Never forget how our mothers, Fathers And siblings suffered through their actions as the ANC. The ANC “KILLED OUR PARENTS’ PRIDE” to provide for families so come 2024 NO ANC in Newcastle. Thank you IFP, Team Suger and other you kept your promise to better the lives of our people.
That wonderful news