The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in KwaZulu-Natal has secured an interim court order compelling the Impendle Local Municipality to pay outstanding salaries owed to its employees.
The order was granted by the Pietermaritzburg High Court after the union approached the court on an urgent basis when workers were not paid for two consecutive months – January and February 2026.
In terms of the ruling, the municipality has been ordered to pay all outstanding salaries within seven days of the order. It must also continue paying employees on time going forward. Additionally, the court directed the municipality to settle all outstanding contributions to benefit funds – including pension, medical aid, UIF and tax deductions – within 14 days and to ensure future payments are made as required.
SAMWU said the failure to pay salaries had devastating consequences for workers, many of whom have lost homes, vehicles and access to essential services due to missed payments. The union described the situation as unsustainable and harmful to already vulnerable employees.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Secretary Nokubonga Dinga said the union was left with no choice but to take urgent legal action due to the severity of the crisis. She added that workers had endured immense financial and emotional strain.
The union also accused some municipal managers of attempting to intimidate workers. It alleged that employees were instructed to return to work despite directives placing them on special leave, further worsening tensions.
The court order will operate as an interim measure pending the finalisation of the case. SAMWU warned that any failure by the municipality to comply with the order would constitute contempt of court and could result in further legal action.
The Impendle Local Municipality, based in KwaZulu-Natal’s uMgungundlovu District, is a rural municipality that has faced persistent financial and administrative challenges. A limited revenue base, low payment rates by residents, and governance issues have contributed to ongoing cash flow problems.
These challenges have affected service delivery and the municipality’s ability to meet basic obligations, including paying staff salaries and statutory deductions. Audit findings in previous years have also pointed to financial mismanagement and weak internal controls.
The situation at Impendle reflects broader difficulties within South Africa’s local government sector, where several municipalities have struggled with financial sustainability. Labour unions such as SAMWU have increasingly turned to the courts to enforce compliance, raising concerns about accountability and the long-term viability of some municipalities.
