TL;DR: Water workers in Mbombela, South Africa, scored a 6.5% salary increase after intense negotiations with Silulumanzi, averting a planned strike. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) led the charge, highlighting the struggle against rising living costs.

Hey fam! Guess what? The water supply heroes in Mbombela just bagged a sweet 6.5% pay bump! 🎉 After some serious back-and-forth with their employer, Silulumanzi, they were ready to strike on January 23rd. But boom! A last-minute deal saved the day.
The Lowdown:
Who’s Involved? NUMSA, repping over 270 workers at Silulumanzi, the crew keeping water flowing for nearly 400,000 folks in Mbombela.
What’s the Beef? With prices shooting up, workers pushed for a 7% raise to keep up. Silulumanzi was stuck at 5%. Talks hit a wall on October 11th.
Strike Alert! After getting the green light from the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on January 15th, NUMSA slapped a 48-hour strike notice on January 21st.
Deal Struck! Just before the strike kicked off, both sides shook hands on a 6.5% raise. NUMSA’s Acting Regional Secretary, Pholo Sebotsa, called it an "above inflation increase," giving a shoutout to the win for workers and their families.
Why It Matters:
This win isn’t just about the cash. It's a big deal for workers standing up against the squeeze of rising living costs. Plus, it shows the power of unity and solid negotiation. NUMSA's track record of snagging above-inflation raises keeps growing, setting the bar for labor rights in South Africa.
The Bigger Picture:
Across South Africa, workers are feeling the pinch from higher prices. Unions like NUMSA are stepping up, pushing for better pay to help families keep up. This Mbombela win could spark more movements, inspiring others to fight for fair wages and conditions.
Join the Conversation:
What do you think about this victory? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let's chat about the power of unity and standing up for what's right. 💬✊