Mpumalanga Strike Is 'economic Sabotage', Says Operator

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency MTPA is working to contain the impact of illegal strike action by employees at several nature reserves under its management a situation that has drawn sharp criticism from industry stakeholders and raised concerns about the stability of tourism in the province.

Employees who are members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union NEHAWU embarked on a strike in March, leading to the closure of multiple sites including Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels in the Blyde River Canyon along Mpumalangas popular Panorama Route. Employees also embarked on strikes at the Manyeleti and Loskop Dam nature reserves.

In response, the MTPA sought urgent legal relief and its application for a Court interdict against illegal striking employees was granted, the agency confirmed in a media statement issued on March26. The MTPA indicated it will now work with the South African Police Service to enforce the order and restore operations.

Simphiwe Shungube , MTPAs Senior Manager: Corporate Communications, emphasised the strike is unprocedural and unprovoked. The employees are alleging that the MTPA breached an agreement that the entity has signed with NEHAWU. However, the MTPA is of the strong view that it has not breached any agreement, he said. The entity invited the union to a meeting to discuss and understand their issues but NEHAWU decided to boycott the meeting. They then resorted to the illegal strike.

Shungube acknowledged the damage caused to the local tourism economy and said the MTPA is taking steps to avoid further disruption. We want to make the interdict a final order. Executive management will engage NEHAWU leadership to stop such conduct, he said. Many people depend on tourism for job creation. We will further engage all stakeholders to work together to position Mpumalanga as a preferred tourism destination.