MAQUASSI HILLS, NORTH WEST — The Maquassi Hills Municipality is staring down a potential legal threat after staff members issued a strict seven-day deadline to resolve the crisis of unremitted worker deductions. The ongoing labor dispute has severely crippled local service delivery as employees protest the failure to pay over critical employee benefits.
Members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) downed their tools, bringing local operations to a halt. Union representatives articulated a clear set of demands, insisting that all third-party and statutory deductions—ranging from pension funds and medical aid to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)—must be transferred to service providers in full and on time. The union emphasized that outstanding arrears must be settled immediately so that no staff member suffers financial prejudice due to the local authority’s administrative failures.
The financial mismanagement has left more than 150 municipal employees in a precarious position. Among those severely impacted is Ginzi Lizo, a dedicated worker who has served the local authority for 15 years. Despite having money consistently deducted from her paycheck over her long tenure, Lizo revealed that all of her third-party benefits have completely lapsed.
Rather than denying the allegations, municipal management offered a candid admission of the crisis. Speaking on behalf of the leadership, a municipal spokesperson unreservedly acknowledged the grievances, confirming that the root of the problem lies in the non-payment and half-payment of statutory obligations. The spokesperson noted that the issue is so widespread that it affects the management team as well, assuring the public that they are actively working to rectify the systemic failures.
However, the financial blunders have ignited a fierce backlash from civic leaders. The North West branch of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) is now demanding that the municipal structure be entirely disbanded. This explosive call to action follows a disastrous meeting where local officials frustrated the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).
According to SANCO leadership, the municipal officials completely failed to provide the necessary financial reports to account for the Auditor General’s audit findings. Civic representatives expressed sheer frustration, questioning the point of retaining the current leadership when they cannot account to SCOPA. Describing the ongoing situation as “nonsense” that the community has endured for far too long, SANCO insisted that the current officials must go, as the resulting service delivery challenges are no longer tolerable.
In response to the mounting pressure, the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance defended its oversight role. A departmental spokesperson confirmed that the crisis is receiving active attention and that interventions are currently being implemented. However, the spokesperson criticized the civic group’s aggressive stance, stating it is unfortunate that some parties are reducing the government’s constructive efforts to mere “political rhetoric” instead of collaborating on practical solutions.