SACP condemns arrest of Dr AB Xuma municipal workers

The South African Communist Party Ngcobo Subdistrict has condemned the arrest of municipal workers in the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality, calling it an attack on workers’ constitutional rights and urging the municipality to return to negotiations.

On Monday, three municipal workers were arrested and will appear at the Ngcobo Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

At the time of publishing the article, the police had not yet confirmed the arrest and the charges.

In a media statement released on Monday, the SACP said it had “learned with grave concern” of the arrest and detention of workers following a protest action in the municipality. Among those detained are members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union, including Comrade Lonwabo Delihlazo.

The party said workers have a constitutional right to organize, bargain collectively, and take part in peaceful protest.

“The SACP has always stood firmly on the side of the working class. Workers have constitutional rights, including the right to organize, bargain collectively, and participate in peaceful and lawful protest. These rights must be respected at all times,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the independence of the criminal justice system, the SACP called on the South African Police Service and other authorities to ensure due process is followed.

“We call upon the South African Police Service and the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of the arrested workers are protected, that due process is followed, and that no worker is subjected to unfair treatment,” the party said.

*Municipality urged to negotiate*
The SACP Ngcobo Subdistrict put the spotlight on the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality leadership, saying labour disputes should not be solved through arrests.

“The SACP Ngcobo Subdistrict further calls on the leadership of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality to engage meaningfully with organised labour to resolve the issues that gave rise to the protest. Labour disputes should be addressed through dialogue and good-faith negotiations rather than unnecessary confrontation,” it said.

The party added that it stands “in solidarity with the workers and their families during this difficult period” and called on progressive formations, the labour movement, and community organisations to defend workers’ rights while upholding the rule of law.

The SACP said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

By the time of publishing the article, DR AB Xuma had not yet responded to the questions sent to them.