At least 17 acts of suspected sabotage and vandalism took place during countrywide pickets by the communication sector on Wednesday, Telkom said.
”The company disappointingly notes that a number of incidents, especially suspected acts of sabotage and vandalism have been reported from many parts of the country, especially KwaZulu-Natal,” said Telkom’s managing director Nombulelo Moholi.
”By midday today, 17 incidents were reported to Telkom’s asset and revenue protection services,” he said in a statement.
Of these, 15 were reported in KwaZulu-Natal and two in Gauteng. An investigation was under way.
”Damage to cable infrastructure and street distribution cabinets accounted for the majority of the reported incidents.”
Workers picketed in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Springs, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal.
The allegation was denied by police and the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU), who was at the forefront of marches by disgruntled Telkom workers.
”We certainly did not see anything. It’s the first time I’m hearing of this,” said CWU spokesperson Pheane Ramoadi.
”Through the march, we displayed that our members are academics and disciplined. It’s not possible for our members to be involved in any sort of violence.”
He claimed the company did not inform them of the incidents.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu said no such cases had been reported.
Johannesburg police spokesperson Captain Julia Claassen said vandalism had been reported, but it did not involve CWU members.
She said South African Informal Traders Association members had been marching through the city and some had caused damage. Police used water canons to disperse them.
On Tuesday, Telkom was given three days to accede to the workers’ demands or face a full-scale strike.
The workers initially demanded a 13% increase but settled for 7,5% if Telkom would first alter ”racialised” salary scales.
Ramoadi claimed that white employees dominated higher salary scales, while those on lower scales were black. — Sapa