MOHALE’S HOEK, AUGUST 22–The community of Qalakheng is happy to have chieftainship services back in their area after they were suspended as chiefs put tools down nationwide, demanding salary increment.
Area Chief of Qalakheng II, Chief Thabiso Pebane, said the halt in service provision was as a result of a 100% salary increase, promised through an agreement with the Ministry of Local Government in 2024 which they did not receive. Mr Pebane indicated that the strike was around June and lasted for two weeks and it brought a negative impact on society and the country at large as basic services were not allowed to happen as per terms and conditions of the strike. The latter said it was a painful experience to see his community destitute and suffering but claimed he is happy that all the services are back and everything is back to normal and only hopes that the government fulfills its promises so that they do not resort to the strike in the future.
Mrs ‘Mamoliehi Mohale, a senior community member expressed her joy for having the chieftainship services back in the community. Mrs Mohale said it was a sad reality when chiefs went on strike as chiefs endorse everything and further said that her grandson almost missed signing up a contract at National Manpower Development Secretariat as chiefs were on strike. The latter also pointed out that she can just imagine what other negative impacts the strike has brought to her fellow community members on matters such as death announcements for chiefs’ approval and many other related issues.
The strike was also joined by village health workers across the country, demanding a monthly stipend of M2,400, ordered by the Labour court in 2023.
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