By Duncan Mnisi
East London — Tensions continue to rise in East London as municipal workers, frustrated by unfulfilled promises and ongoing violence, took to the streets in renewed protest.
The East London CBD saw heightened activity following a series of disruptive incidents, including vandalism and unsafe working conditions.
This latest wave of unrest comes after a tense week marked by clashes between the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM).
On Tuesday, the East London High Court issued an interdict against SAMWU members, prohibiting them from engaging in unlawful protest actions within the city.
The court stressed the importance of safeguarding public safety and maintaining service delivery, explicitly instructing the South African Police Service (SAPS) to enforce compliance.
BCM spokesperson Bongan Fuzile stated: “We will act decisively, within the framework of the law, to protect residents, workers, and municipal assets from reckless and unlawful actions.”
Residents, meanwhile, expressed mounting frustration. One local resident voiced her anger: “We are tired of being pawns in BCM’s war with unions! People sit without water, some without electricity, and our town is just vandalized. Yet no arrests? It’s like nothing is happening.”
Municipal operations have been severely affected, with several key offices—including the Trust Centre, Munifin, Finance Directorate, Reserve Bank, and Engineering buildings—forced to close after striking union members allegedly disposed of raw sewage inside premises.
The incident led to the immediate shutdown of business activities, further fueling public dissatisfaction.
Adding to the turmoil, Oxford Street the busiest road in East London was reported to be “up in smoke” due to burning debris and ongoing protests, disrupting both movement and commerce.
“We urge SAMWU leadership to respect the court order and provide proper guidance to their members,” Fuzile warned.
“Unlawful protests hinder service delivery and threaten community safety.”
As the strike drags on and infrastructure remains compromised, residents are left grappling with failed promises, unaddressed grievances, and escalating tensions in East London.
