Power utility workers strike

Workers at Centlec, the electricity supplier for the Mangaung Metro Municipality, Bloemfontein yesterday downed tools, demanding the MEC for corporate governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) Oupa Khoabane and the municipal executive address their demands.

The workers last week gathered outside the Centlec building demanding an improvement in working conditions, the removal of heaps of asbestos at the company premises, an end to nepotism and tender fraud, and permanent employment for those currently in acting positions.

The workers further called for the removal of the utility’s chief executive Andries Mgoqi on allegations that he has run the entity into a state of disarray and ignored their concerns.

In a memorandum of demands they demanded their grievances be addressed within 48 hours, which lapsed yesterday.

One of them, Kgosietsile Motlhale, said they received a letter from deputy mayor Lebohang Masoetsa requesting an extension but downed tools because this is not the first time they received such a response. Masoetsa’s response also did not clarify when he would attend to their issues.

Centlec spokesperson Lele Mamatu could not be reached for comment. – OFM News