The Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, accompanied by the MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, and senior government officials, held a meeting on Tuesday with representatives of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) focused on addressing concerns surrounding the recent issuance of pre-dismissal letters to EMPD officers implicated in the unlawful strike and highway blockades that took place on March 19.
During this constructive meeting, Samwu representatives requested intervention regarding the timeframe provided for employees to respond to the pre-dismissal notices, citing the complexity of cases involved.
The city acknowledged these concerns and agreed, in principle, to extend the submission deadline for written representations until close of business on Friday (May 9).
The city reiterated the necessity of maintaining discipline, particularly among essential service employees, given the severity of the misconduct, including the illegal blockade of highways and misuse of city resources.
It was emphasised that the pre-dismissal process is structured to allow fair representations from employees, with each case assessed individually on its merits and the level of remorse demonstrated.
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Additionally, the city is issuing a strong warning to any officers involved in the intimidation of their colleagues who continue to report for duty.
Such conduct is unacceptable and constitutes a breach of both municipal code of conduct and criminal laws.
The city is actively addressing these incidents and has escalated them to the Office of the National Commissioner of the SAPS and the Directorate for Priority Crime
Investigation (Hawks) for investigation and necessary legal action.
The Office of the Executive Mayor and the city have committed to further engagements with organised labour through the Local Labour Forum to enhance workplace relations, address issues related to the recent institutional review process, and employee wellbeing.
The city remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its employees, residents, and infrastructure, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on unlawful actions and intimidation.
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