UPDATE: Boksburg civic stalemate drags on despite ‘advanced’ talks

The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that negotiations with striking contract workers, protesting outside several municipal offices, have reached an advanced stage.

The update comes as residents and ratepayers in Boksburg report growing frustration over ongoing disruptions at the Boksburg Civic Centre.

For more than six months, workers affiliated with the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) have been staging protests outside municipal facilities during weekday business hours, demanding permanent employment and an end to outsourcing.

Despite the city’s recent response, conditions on the ground remain largely unchanged.

Talks are progressing, but no resolution yet
The municipality said an external facilitator is guiding discussions.
“The facilitation with MECSU is at an advanced stage, where parties are seeking further mandate to resolve or suspend the strike,” said metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
No timeline for a resolution has been provided.

Parking and access issues
Residents continue to face limited parking after the main Civic Centre lot was effectively allocated to protesters. The city said the closure is tied to legal and procedural processes:

“The application for amendment of the picketing rules is pending before the bargaining council, labour court and facilitation engagements with MECSU.”
Many residents must walk long distances or risk fines when seeking services.

Commitment to phased insourcing
The city reaffirmed its commitment to insourcing under the 2025/26 budget, aiming to strengthen internal capacity, reduce reliance on contractors, and create sustainable employment opportunities. However, not all demands can be met immediately.

Permanent employment for Harambe Programme workers remains unfeasible due to budget constraints, the city said.

Managing disruptions
Daily EMPD deployments are in place to ensure public access and prevent harassment. Noise from vuvuzelas and whistles is permitted under picketing rules, though officers have moved protesters away from building entrances.

Trained personnel also manage crowds in line with the Gatherings Act.

Residents still caught in the middle
Despite assurances, residents say disruptions continue to affect their access to essential services.
With no end to the strike in sight, ratepayers remain caught between the city and labour, waiting for a resolution that restores normal operations.

Also Read: VIDEO: Protest action leaves mess at Boksburg Civic Centre entrance