Returning to the City is both a privilege and a profound moment of redemption. A year has passed since our reinstatement, marking not just an anniversary but a hard-won victory.

We, the #CoJ130, once stood at the forefront of an arduous battle for justice, one that tested our resolve, strained our livelihoods, and redefined our sense of belonging.

Three years ago, we found ourselves thrust into an unexpected fight, compelled to defend our right to fair employment. Through the unwavering support of the South African Municipal Workers Union and its legal representatives, the high court ruled in our favour, declaring our dismissals unlawful.

Though the verdict restored our employment, it could not erase the pain of our struggle. The triumph was bittersweet, underlined by the immense hardship we endured during our prolonged absence.

Our return is not simply a homecoming, it is a reconstitution of lives once upended. The past two to three years were a test of endurance marked by financial devastation, emotional turmoil, and social stigma.

For many, the abrupt loss of income meant losing homes, vehicles being repossessed, and withdrawing children from schools we once proudly afforded. The scars run deep, but we remain steadfast in our determination to rebuild.

As we reintegrate into the City’s workforce, we ask for understanding. Group Human Capital Management has undertaken the complex task of placing us in new roles, aligning our expertise with available positions, requiring us to adapt to new professional landscapes. We implore our colleagues to embrace us without prejudice, to welcome us as peers rather than as individuals tainted by controversy.

Today, as we reflect on our return, we do so with both pride and humility. We honour the strength of the #CoJ130, the resilience that saw us through one of the darkest chapters of our professional lives. We are here, not as victims, but as individuals who stood firm in the face of adversity. We celebrate not just our reinstatement, but the unwavering belief in justice that carried us back to where we belong.

To our colleagues, we extend our gratitude for your patience and support as we navigate this transition. To our fellow reinstated employees, let this anniversary serve as a reminder of our collective perseverance. The battle was long, the wounds are still healing, but our resolve remains unshaken.

This is our story, one of resilience, redemption, and the resolute pursuit of justice.

Written by Tinyiko Barbara Ngobeni​