Municipal workers face financial strain due to unpaid salary increases

THE South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Tshwane says the nonpayment of salary increases for municipal workers since 2021 is to blame for the growing unpaid municipal bills now faced by almost 9000 employees.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

This follows a recent council report showing that the number of municipal employees who owe the city increased from 8759 in July 2024 to 8820 in July 2025, collectively owing R28.88 million.

On the other hand, the number of councillors who are in arrears rose from 121 to 131 in the same period, with R1.7m collectively owed.

Samwu regional secretary Donald Monakisi said the outstanding 3.5% and 5.4% salary increases for 2021/22 and 2023/24, respectively, may be among the reasons many municipal workers cannot keep up with their water and electricity accounts.

“Outstanding salary increases may also be the factor because you have a situation now where the salary does not equate with the rising cost of living, including electricity and petrol prices,” he said.

He said the union has repeatedly shared the concerns regarding the workers’ economic hardships with the employer, noting that the situation hurts the workforce.