Rustenburg workers force job grading victory after protests

By Molaole Montsho
 
Rustenburg municipal workers have won a long-running battle for job grading after protests
that shut down municipal operations last week forced the council to act, though workers say
they remain sceptical until the changes are reflected in their bank accounts.
 
The Rustenburg local municipality in the North West province approved the implementation
of Grade 7 during a special council meeting on Tuesday, following sustained pressure from
employees who were previously placed at Grade 6.
 
Municipal workers downed tools last Thursday, demanding that the municipality implement
the long-promised job grading adjustment.
 
“This is exciting news. The municipality has been suffocating us by refusing to upgrade us,”
said municipal worker Thabo Ntleng.
 
He said workers shut down the municipality on January 8 to draw the attention of ANC
leaders who were in the area at the time.
 
“We are happy and request the municipality to backdate our payment.”
 
Despite the council resolution, some workers remain unconvinced that the matter has been
fully resolved.
 
“I will believe it when I see the money in my bank account. We have been demanding Grade
7 for a long time,” said another worker, Peter Monye.
 
The municipality said it has officially implemented Grade 7 for employees previously
positioned at Grade 6, in line with the approved organisational structure, applicable collective
agreements and labour legislation.

In a released statement, Executive Mayor Shiela Mabale-Huma said the implementation
represented a step towards improving the livelihoods, financial security, and morale of
affected employees.
 
“Through the implementation of Grade 7, employees will benefit from improved salary
scales, enhanced benefits, and greater job recognition, which will contribute positively to
their ability to support their families, meet daily living costs, and plan for a more stable
future.
 
“This intervention also promotes dignity in the workplace and affirms the municipality’s
commitment to fair and equitable treatment of its workforce,” she said.
 
The municipality said the implementation of the job grading would take effect from the date
approved by council and management, including adjustments to remuneration and benefits,
but did not clarify whether payments would be backdated as demanded by workers.
The ANC in North West province welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for
municipal employees.
 
 
The provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo, said the upgrade was long overdue.
 
“This development represents a significant victory for the workers and a clear demonstration
of the ANC-led government’s commitment to improving the working conditions, dignity, and
livelihoods of municipal employees,” said Diremelo.
 
He said the adjustment recognises the increasing responsibilities carried by workers and
ensures fair and equitable remuneration.
 
“We call on all the workers to continue discharging their duties with dedication and top-most
professionalism, and to unite in defence of our democratic gains,” he said.