…workers’ contracts terminated after they went on strike over unpaid salaries
Moorosi Tsiane
TWENTY-SIX employees of Transatlantic Development Limited (TDL), who were employed as field workers assigned to the National Information System for Social Assistance (NISSA) project in Thaba-Tseka, are now jobless after downing tools in protest over unpaid February salaries resulting in the termination of their contracts.
The workers, employed as enumerators under three-month contracts that ran from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, have accused TDL of failing to pay their salaries on time, offering only daily sustainability allowances (DSA) while blaming delayed payments from the government.
In response to their protest, the company allegedly terminated their contracts and demanded the return of project equipment, including tablets, power banks, and vehicles—a move the workers describe as retaliatory and unjust.
TDL is contracted by the Ministry of Social Development to update household demographic and socioeconomic data in the NISSA registry, ahead of the National Census scheduled to begin after 31 March 2026.
The workers said their troubles began at the end of January 2026 when they expected their first salaries, but received only DSA payments.
“At the end of January we were not given our salaries. The explanation was that the Ministry had not yet paid TDL, so we would receive salaries once the money came through. We eventually got paid during our two-week break, but it was in batches,” one worker, who requested anonymity, said.
The situation reportedly worsened when February salaries were again delayed, with allowances issued instead.
In a memorandum dated 18 February 2026, TDL explained the payment situation.
“DSA for February 2026 will be processed and paid at the end of this month to assist you in meeting immediate needs while implementation continues.
“Payment of remaining DSA and salaries for work between 16 February and 16 March 2026 depends on the Client’s payment of approved deliverables. Remuneration is performance-based and tied to completion, validation, and approval of deliverables. Timely completion and clearance of QA/QC issues remain critical to triggering the next payment milestone. Your cooperation is essential to ensure the project timeline is met.”
Unconvinced, 26 of the 30 enumerators downed tools while awaiting resolution.
“They first said they were working on the matter, then informed us they would not renew our contracts and would retrieve the equipment we’ve been using,” the worker said.
“We have effectively been fired but are still owed salaries from 16 to 28 February. We cannot survive on these allowances alone, so we are holding onto the equipment until we are paid.”
Project manager, Lebohang Marikimane, confirmed the contracts would not be renewed.
“Procedures exist for raising concerns. The workers downed tools while we were still addressing their issues. They will be paid according to their contracts, which require completed and quality-assured work. Returning equipment is necessary to verify this. Refusing to hand over gadgets and vehicles has consequences, especially since these are hired assets that incur costs when idle,” Ms Marikimane said.
She also accused the workers of bypassing established reporting channels.
“They reported directly to the regional director instead of following proper channels. The repercussions of their actions could come back to haunt them.”
