Joburg Water strike ends after bonus dispute, services resume

An unprotected strike by Johannesburg Water workers has officially ended after days of disruption linked to unpaid December bonuses and disputes over deductions. The action, which began on Friday, coincided with Rand Water throttling supply to Joburg and Tshwane due to excessive usage, compounding pressure on an already strained system. After urgent engagements with Samwu, workers have returned to their posts and normal operations have resumed. Joburg Water apologised to residents and businesses for the inconvenience, while confirming that essential services were maintained through contractors and that the strike fell under no-work-no-pay rules. Phemelo speaks to Joburg Water’s Electro Mechanical Manager, Gugulethu Quma.