I have been quite alarmed, as I am sure you have been, to see strike action spread from one utility service to another in the eThekwini Metro. Bus drivers' strike was followed by that of solid waste workers and most recently taxi drivers are threatening to join in.  

The usual backdrop for strike action is evident: dismal working conditions coupled with poor pay. The matters have been made worse by the eThekwini Council's unsympathetic handling of the strikers and their often legitimate concerns and grievances. 

The consequences of the strike for the public are self-evident.

Commuters and school children have been stranded while litter is piling up in our streets. Then there are all those malfunctioning traffic lights, permanently flashing red, with no police to regulate the traffic flow in sight. No doubt more chaos is to follow.  

All this is grimly reminiscent of Britain's notorious Winter of Discontent of 1979 which brought about the famous 'sea change' in voters' perceptions and with it a change in government. 

On a deeper level, the municipality's erratic management of Durban's public transport and mishandling of employees' grievances brought to its attention by bus drivers and solid waste workers is proof of the council's misplaced priorities. 

Next to every malfunctioning traffic light stands a brand new board featuring a new street name. The ANC-led metro council has pursued the renaming process with zeal but without meaningful consultation with the public and often against the wishes of residents who, understandably, are more interested in basic services than those new street names, laden with ideology, division and controversy. 

In short, what we see unfolding in the streets of Durban today is a demonstration of a lack of leadership. The ANC-controlled council, which waltzed into power on a wave of popularity, has been blinded by arrogance. Let the upcoming election be a referendum on all public representatives who have lost touch, direction and a sense of purpose. 

Dr Lionel Mtshali
Leader of the Official Opposition

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902