By Staff Reporter
GIYANI – Workers assigned to the D3810 road project in Mahlathi, Giyani, have downed tools after allegedly going four months without receiving their salaries.
The group of 22 workers, who are involved in tarring the Thomo to Hlomela Road, say they began working in August but have only been paid for the month of September. Their frustration reached a breaking point, leading them to close the construction site gate on 11 November.
“We closed the gate of the construction site on November 11 after being told we would receive double payments at the end of November. As of December 2, and we haven’t received anything,” said worker representative Muxe Ngobeni.
Another worker, Tiyani Mabunda, said the team signed contracts on 5 August and has been working ever since, but their salaries remain outstanding despite repeated promises from the employer, PLC and PSC.
Workers say they have since been informed that salaries will be paid on 19 December, but they are not convinced.
“We’ve been told we’ll receive payment on December 19, but the site office is closing on December 18. We consider this information false and misleading,” added Ngobeni.
According to the workers, the employer sent a message stating that only one month’s salary will be paid on 3 December 2025. However, the workers insist they will continue with the strike until all outstanding payments are made.
Tzaneen Voice reached out to site manager Mr. Rodrick Matsho for comment, but he had not responded at the time of publication. His comments will be added once received.
The matter has also been escalated to Mr. Mthembu, SANRAL’s provincial manager.
Workers who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed their frustration:
“Tomorrow they won’t open the gate, and no one will be working until the outstanding salaries are paid,” one worker said.
“We just want our money. We’ve worked hard for it,” another added.
Tzaneen Voice will continue to follow this story and provide updates as new information becomes available.
