Striking Kouga Municipal workers have dumped trash in the streets of Jeffreys Bay as the strike entered its second day on Tuesday.
In a statement mayor, Elza van Lingen, said strikers also threw human faeces at a municipal building in Humansdorp.
Workers who are members of the SA Municipal Workers Union went on strike yesterday to protest the non-renewal of contracts of people employed in terms of the Expanded Public Works Programme.
The temporary contracts expired at the end of February.
"We were advised by the South African Police Service to send our staff home as there was concern for their safety," said Van Lingen.
She said the strikers once again trashed the CBD in Jeffreys Bay and "we have received reports that the streets in Hankey have also seen trashed".
Van Lingen said there was also a tense stand-off before strikers complied with a police instruction to disperse.
"We have requested our Municipal Manager, Sidney Fadi, to engage with Council's lawyers to ensure we follow the correct legal processes when dealing with the striking workers," said Van Lingen.
"I would like to thank all the business owners in the CBD for helping in cleaning the streets that have been trashed by the strikers. You help is highly appreciated," concluded Van Lingen.
On Monday, Samwu spokesperson, Clifton Booysen, that they were fighting for the renewal of contracts with the Kouga Municipality.
He said the 48 people discharged were doing work in areas of the municipality where there were genuine vacancies, either because of death, dismissal or retirement.
Booysen blamed the DA led Council for replacing the EPWP workers with party members.
(Photo: Robbie Irlam)
