27 July, 2005 Press Release ILLEGAL SAMWU MARCH Except for two business units, PIKITUP and METROBUS, the SA Municipal Workers Union's first day in a three-day planned strike received limited support in Johannesburg. According to the City of Johannesburg's attendance register, an average of 81% workers were present at work. The figures represent attendance covered the City's 14 Utilities, Agency and Corporatised entities (UAC's) and the 10 administration regions from Midrand in the north and Orange Farm in the South. Most challenge was experienced at PIKITUP, the City's waste management utility and METROBUS where services almost came to a halt. SAMWU's illegal march started at the Beyers Naude Library Garndens in the City Centre and ended at the administrative Metropolitan Centre in Braamfontein where the Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Amos Masondo is housed. The latter is also the Chairperson of the South African Local government Association (Salga). Neither Mayor Masondo or an alternate official suggested by SAMWU, City Manager, Pascal Moloi, could receive the Memorandum because their march was illegal. Marchers however refused to hand over the memorandum to the Mayor's legal advisor, Phakedi Masekela. Despite threats that the marchers will return tomorrow and Friday in an attempt to personally submit the memorandum to Masondo or Moloi, the city is adamant that it will not receive documentation from illegal marchers. Residents are advised to make alternative travel arrangements and keep their waste until the next collection round next week during the strike which ends on Friday. The City apologises for any possible inconvenience. Ends Gabu Tugwana Director Communications Department Telephone:011 407-7322 Facsimile:011 403-3494 Cell:082 495 5673 Email:gabut@joburg.org.za