Gauteng premier’s office helps to avert EMPD strike

The suspension of the strike came after the intervention from the Gauteng Office of the Premier and the City of Ekurhuleni approaching the Labour Court to prevent the action.

The strike called for a total shutdown of Gillooly’s interchange, as EMPD personnel stated that the City ignored their memorandum of demands, said Clr Jaco Terblanche, DA Shadow MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni.

“The memorandum included the ‘accounting misalignment in the implementation of VIP Protection Inspector salaries and 10% allowances’ which is alleged to have meant that VIP Protection Inspectors now receive double their usual salary. It also called to address the salary disparities across the EMPD,” said Terblanche.

“The memorandum also called for a full investigation into a complaint against the Chief of Police, Isaac Mapieye, who was allegedly involved in a drunken driving accident. In addition, it is claimed that the City is not fully complying with the Covid-19 OHS measures in its workplace, placing personnel at risk.

“While I understand the growing frustration in the EMPD to have their issues resolved, we welcome the suspension of the strike action, as the EMPD is an essential service. They are responsible for serving and protecting our communities,” according to Terblanche.

“However, this does not mean that their poor working conditions and other grievances must not be heard. The MMC for Community Safety, Clr Frans Mmoko, has no will to ensure improved conditions of employment for the EMPD. Frustrated officers continue to raise their concerns with the DA over Clr Mmoko’s inability and apparent lack of desire to make meaningful change in the department.

“We call on the Executive Mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, to take action against his MMC, who is unable to effectively perform his duty as low staff morale in the EMPD continues. The very fact that the Gauteng Office of the Premier has had to get involved in this serious matter in order to have it resolved, highlights Clr Mmoko’s inability, and this matter needs to be investigated and these pressing issues addressed and resolved with the urgency they deserve.”

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