Ethekwini Municipality: Worker Stabbed and Another Struck by Vehicle During ‘Pay Cut’ Protest

Durban – A contract worker from eThekwini Municipality was stabbed, and another sustained injuries during a protest outside the Durban Natural Science Museum.

A group of contract workers assembled on Monday, 1 September 2025, to voice their opposition to “pay cuts” when a municipality vehicle unintentionally struck the crowd, resulting in serious injuries to one worker, including broken legs.

In the chaos, another worker was also stabbed.

Both injured workers were swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

The situation intensified when workers realized their wages had been reduced in the renewed contracts without prior notice or explanation.

Workers shared with The Bulrushes that, until their contracts expired earlier this year in March, they were earning R8,400 per month.

To their astonishment, their renewed contracts reflected a new salary of only R4,800 per month, indicating a drastic R4,000 cut—a revelation that left the workers in disbelief.

Additionally, workers voiced their discontent over the absence of official communication regarding the unilateral pay reductions.

Sandile Hlophe, a prominent advocate against the salary cuts, explained that the affected workers are employed through DSW Contractors, which encompass Gezinsila Cleaning Services, Khabzo Projects, Sbonisiwe Uhlanga Trading Enterprises, Titus, TZBN, Wasteng, Mashalofu, Gabhisa, and Njabs Investments.

“Currently, we are not receiving the same salaries as before,” Hlophe asserted.

“This concern is not limited to just KwaMashu; it impacts all of Durban, including areas such as Harmasdale, Chesterville, and Lamontville.

“Our employers informed us about the salary reductions, not the municipality. When we approached Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba, he claimed ignorance regarding the cuts imposed on us.”

Another worker, who preferred to remain anonymous, commented: “As you can see, we have two different payslips showing inconsistent amounts.

“Last month, we were not paid for four days of work, yet the payslip we received still reflected those unpaid days without any adjustments to this month’s amount.”

Thobile Zulu, who has been with the company for twenty-eight years, pointed out the lack of benefits for workers, including medical aid and pensions.

Despite these issues, the workers are eager to retain their jobs but emphasized they cannot “operate under these conditions.”

They delivered a memorandum detailing their grievances to an eThekwini Municipality official at the Durban Natural Science Museum.

In the memorandum, the workers warned that any further delays in addressing their issues would force them to escalate the matter to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council and the Speaker’s office.

Two councillors, Sizwe Mdlalose from Ward 104 and Mazibuko Sihle from Ward 46, engaged with the protesting workers and successfully persuaded them to disperse.