GRDM staff don't have to hit the road

GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) gave the assurance that no staff member of its Roads Department would lose their job, or that any salaries would be reduced.

This follows a previous protest and growing concerns about job security in that department.

In April, the Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, paid a visit to the GRDM to discuss the new provincial roads’ delivery model.

It was announced that the roads function of all district municipalities would become a function of the provincial government. This change of direction created concerns among some staff members who feared for their job security.

In response to queries by George Herald, the GRDM’s Communication Department reiterated the key points Simmers had made earlier this year: No staff member will lose their job, salaries will not be reduced and employees will enjoy improved benefits, including better pension and medical aid packages.

“A dedicated committee within the Department of Infrastructure is managing the transition process. Operations will continue as normal until at least 31 March 2026,” says Marlene Nqumse of the GRDM’s Communication Department.

Clear road ahead for GRDM’s Roads Department. Photo: Alida de Beer

At a Council meeting on Tuesday 29 July, the GRDM also approved the formation of a negotiating committee that will represent the municipality in its talks with the Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Salga (South African Local Government Association) and the Bargaining Council.

Representatives from trade unions Samwu (South African Municpal Workers’ Union) and Imatu (Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union) are also included on this committee.

The municipality confirmed that the transfer of responsibilities from one government body to another will be conducted in accordance with Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act, which governs such transitions to protect workers’ rights.

The GRDM has emphasised its commitment to open communication and transparency as the process unfolds.

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