Mapungubwe National Park

Archived News

Media Release: Mapungubwe National Park strikers return to work

Date: 2012-03-20

The eight (8) remaining strikers consisting of 7 field workers and 1 general worker will commence their duties after taking part in the six (6) week strike, which came as a result of issues relating to salary disparity and other labour related issues. 

According to Reynold Thakhuli, SANParks GM: Media Liaison & Stakeholder Relations, SANParks stresses its commitment to resolving this issue without further delay, emphasising that “negotiations will only happen within the established Bargaining Forum”.

Thakhuli urged the striking employees comprising of just 5% of SANParks’ staff compliment to return to work as their strike is not serving its intended purpose.

He reiterated, that SANParks respects and acknowledges the right of association for all its employees but will not tolerate the unlawful acts of violence, rioting and intimidation of non-striking members and tourists committed by some of the strikers.

Since the strike started in February 2012, with approximately 360 staff members, consisting of mainly field rangers, the strike has seen 14 employees returning to work in the Kruger National Park. 

The organisation will still stick to the principle of no work no pay, meaning that anybody who is taking part in this strike must expect to lose their salary for as long as they are participating in the strike.

At the time of this release no word had been received from Kruger National Park strike representatives on when the rest of the strikers will return to work.

Issued by:
South African National Parks 

Media enquiries:
Reynold Thakhuli  
GM: Media Liaison & Stakeholder Relations, SANParks
Tel: (012) 426 5170, Cell: 073 373 4999
e-mail: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org