WHILE the dry winter season is not yet over in the central Karoo, the fire brigade of the Inxuba Yethemba Municipality in Middelburg has been on a go-slow strike since Tuesday, September 3.
This follows numerous attempts since 2018 from fire personnel to voice their grievances over working conditions and concerns about equipment, but until now, municipal management has all but ignored their plights.
After a previous report in the Mid-Karoo Express about the poor condition of the fire brigade’s protective clothing and lack of proper equipment, members of the fire brigade were grilled by top management for speaking to the media, and several firemen faced disciplinary hearings.
No effort had, however, been made to provide them with proper fitting protective wear, and currently, they still fight fires wearing hand-me-down overalls and worn-out, ill-fitting boots.
Two weeks ago, the Middelburg business and ratepayers forum paid a local contractor to repair a generator on the fire truck because IYM did not have the necessary funds.
Municipal councillor, Handri Vorster, said fire personnels’ frustrations must be heeded, and wrote a letter to municipal management requesting urgent intervention.
“These people have been temporary workers of the municipality for more than two years, with no prospects of medical aid or pension. They serve the community selflessly, are on duty 24/7, and use their own cellphones and airtime.
“And all the while they earn a measly R3 000 per month, working in extremely dangerous conditions with equipment that is not compliant with national fire services regulations.
“Their plight must be heard immediately,” Vorster said.
Community services manager, Nondumiso Twalo, has not visited the fire station since they reopened two years ago. Mid-Karoo Express awaits comment from municipal manager, Xolela Msweli.
