Daily News reports that the eThekwini Municipality launched its festive season plan last Thursday and announced the purchase of 12 new jet skis to be used in rescues.  

However, these jet skis are now gathering dust as municipal lifeguards are on a go-slow, refusing to use the craft should a swimmer be drowning.  The lifeguards have apparently been on an unofficial go-slow since last Thursday, allegedly due to backpay not having been paid since 2007 in respect of the use of the craft.  In addition to their salaries, the lifeguards are apparently paid extra for being able to use the jet skis.  But, the municipality has denied refusing backpay to about 30 of its lifeguards for the use of the power craft.  Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the city was unaware of the go-slow and added that back payments would be made next month or in January.  He added that any kind of strike action or go-slow by lifeguards would be against new legislation in terms of the Labour Relations Act, which deemed lifeguards essential services personnel.  At the festive season launch last week, Mayor Zandile Gumede said 122 temporary lifeguards had been employed to complement the permanent staff.

• Read the full original report by Anelisa Kubheka at Daily News

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