Pretoria - The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality today dismissed claims made by the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) that the municipality had dismissed seven employees because they were whistle blowers.
According to the Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Mondli Gungubele, the employees were dismissed because of misconduct.
Addressing the media earlier, Gungubele said the municipality believes in good governance.
The employees, among other things, are said to have assaulted the presiding officer and the Council's legal representative during a disciplinary committee hearing held last Friday.
Gungubele explained that the decision to terminate the services of the seven employees was taken after continuous disruptive behavior on their part.
"We encourage our employees, including their leaders, to come forward with concrete evidence so that we can act accordingly," he said.
"We have credible law enforcement agencies that can deal with matters of this nature. This applies to the dismissed employees in their capacity as residents of Ekurhuleni."
The mayor has also warned that acts of violence and intimidation would not be tolerated.
According to Samwu, the employees were dismissed over fabricated charges made by the Ekurhuleni Municipality.
Some of the municipality's employees, together with Samwu leaders, were arrested last Friday during what the municipality calls an unprotected strike.
In a statement, Samwu said it had brought charges against the municipality and the SA Police Service for shooting at protesters whenever there was a strike.
With regard to the strike planned for next Tuesday by Samwu, Gungubele said they intend to oppossed its legality.
"Any action will therefore be unprotected and management reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary measures including dismissals.
