Mayor condemns unlawful EMPD strike and pledges swift action

Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Nkosindiphile Xhakaza held a press briefing last Thursday to address the growing tensions following the illegal strike action by members of the EMPD.

The strike, which occurred on March 19, saw major highways blocked, including the R21, N12, N17, and N3, disrupting traffic, business, and access to OR Tambo International Airport, a national key point.

The mayor confirmed that 389 officers were issued pre-dismissal notices after participating in the unlawful protest.

ALSO READ: Union slams City of Ekurhuleni over mass dismissals of EMPD officers

“The protest was unlawful. Overtime is a privilege, not a right and must be tied to performance and operational necessity,” emphasised the mayor.

Xhakaza stated that EMPD officers are among the best compensated in the country.

“We must ensure that the city gets value for money, particularly when crime statistics do not reflect a meaningful return on the overtime investment,” he said.

Allegations of union bias

Concerns have been raised by the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) about alleged bias in the handling of disciplinary proceedings.

MECSU claims that during a meeting between the city and the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU), an agreement was reached to shield SAMWU-affiliated officers from dismissal while targeting MECSU members.

ALSO READ: Disciplinary steps taken against 389 EMPD officers for March strike

While the mayor did not address this specific allegation directly, he made it clear that the city only recognises SAMWU and IMATU as official bargaining units, dismissing MECSU as a “non-compliant” organisation that has repeatedly lost legal challenges.

“We cannot allow purported organisations like MECSU to exploit workers’ livelihoods for political gain. The city engages through recognised channels and will not compromise due process,” said the mayor.

Discipline with dignity

The mayor emphasised that the pre-dismissal process would not be a blanket punishment.

Each officer will be given the chance to make written representations, and the deadline was extended to May 9 following engagements with SAMWU.

“Each case will be reviewed individually, and we will take into account remorse and the facts provided. We are not here to punish indiscriminately but to restore order and accountability,” he said.

ALSO READ: Resource misuse during illegal strike by EMPD investigated

Combating intimidation and securing order

The city has confirmed that officers who continue reporting for duty are facing threats and intimidation.

These acts are under investigation by the SAPS and the Hawks. The mayor warned that such intimidation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Moving forward: shift changes and reinforcements

In a bid to modernise policing and improve service delivery, Xhakaza said the city is finalising the transition to a shift-based system.

This will address long-standing issues related to night shift allowances and standby duties.

The city is also preparing to deploy approximately 1500 traffic wardens and EMPD cadets currently in training.

Collaborative efforts with SAPS, CPFs, and private security are ongoing to ensure that public safety is not compromised during this transitional period.