PRESS BRIEFING STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF EKURHULENI, ALDERMAN NKOSINDIPHILE XHAKAZA, ON EMPD STRIKE ACTION AND CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Good morning members of the media, colleagues, and residents of Ekurhuleni. Today, I have called this press briefing to provide a comprehensive update on the recent events surrounding the unlawful strike action by members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the City’s response to these incidents, engagements with organised labour, and the steps we are taking to restore order and accountability within our law enforcement agencies.
BACKGROUND
On the 19th of March 2025, members of the EMPD participated in an unlawful strike action that led to the blockade of major highways, including the R21, N12, N17, and N3. This illegal action disrupted traffic, obstructed access to O.R. Tambo International Airport, a National Key Point, and placed thousands of commuters at risk, business were disturbed and travellers were unable . Additionally, EMPD officers were found using City-issued vehicles, firearms, and uniforms during the illegal protest, contravening their duties as essential service providers.
The City has also noted concerns raised by SAMWU around the reduction of overtime for EMPD officers. It is important to put things into perspective: EMPD officers are among the best-compensated law enforcement officials when benchmarked against other metropolitan police departments and even the South African Police Service (SAPS). Recently, the City of Tshwane experienced a strike where officers demanded that their salaries be aligned with those of EMPD, highlighting the competitive compensation packages in Ekurhuleni.
Unlike other municipalities, the City of Ekurhuleni has consistently honoured all collective agreement increases and overtime payments, whereas cities like Tshwane have not implemented these increases for over two years. This context is crucial in understanding the City’s commitment to fair labour practices while maintaining accountability and financial sustainability. It is important to clarify that overtime is not a right, but a privilege granted based on operational necessity and performance outcomes.
The new administration is committed to ensuring value for money, especially in critical areas such as law enforcement. If crime statistics are not showing a significant downward trend, it raises questions about the justification for ongoing overtime expenditure. Moving forward, the City will intensify its focus on performance-driven
deployment to ensure that taxpayer funds are spent effectively and responsibly.
CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT
Following the illegal strike, the City of Ekurhuleni issued pre-dismissal notices to 389 EMPD officers involved in the protest. This decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to uphold the principles of law, discipline, and public safety. EMPD officers are classified under essential services and are prohibited by law from engaging in industrial
action. Their involvement in the blockade violated both municipal regulations and the Labour Relations Act.
The pre-dismissal process allows each officer the opportunity to submit written representations, which the City agreed to extend until Friday, 09 May 2025, following engagements with SAMWU. Let me be clear: this is not a blanket dismissal. Each case will be reviewed individually, with due consideration given to remorse and the facts
presented in each representation.
Additionally, the City is aware of ongoing threats and intimidation directed at EMPD officers who continue to report for duty. This is completely unacceptable, and dealing with this matter with the seriousness it deserves. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks are collaborating with the city during this ongoing investigation. The City
is issuing a strong warning to those engaging in such conduct: intimidation will not be tolerated, and legal action will follow.
ENGAGEMENTS WITH ORGANISED LABOUR
On the 6th of May 2025, I, along with senior members of the City’s administration, held a positive meeting with SAMWU representatives. During the meeting, we agreed to extend the deadline for representations and committed to continued engagements through the Local Labour Forum (LLF) to address concerns constructively and transparently. I want to emphasise that the City remains committed to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, but we will not compromise on the rule of law and public safety.
WAY FORWARD
As we move forward, the City will intensify its engagements with organised labour, prioritise consequence management, and work towards restoring discipline within our law enforcement ranks. We are proud to have a mature industrial relations policy in place, supported by a progressive labour platform through the Local Labour Forum (LLF) where the city continually engages with both SAMWU and IMATU. The LLF serves as a safe and structured space where worker-related issues are ventilated and addressed transparently.
However, we must be clear that the City of Ekurhuleni only recognises SAMWU and IMATU as legitimate labour unions representing our workforce. We cannot allow poported organisations such as MECSU to exploit workers’ livelihoods for political expedience. They are non-compliant in whatever they do and they are losing cases every day in the courts. We are committed to constructive and lawful engagement with recognised unions and will continue to uphold these standards. A critical component of this forward strategy is the planned transition of EMPD operations to a shift system, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery across the City. There is an item within the LLF, and that item should be able to address longstanding issues around salary adjustments, night shift allowances, and standby allowances, ensuring that these matters are resolved effectively and become a concern of the past. In addition, the City is preparing to deploy approx. 1500 traffic wardens and newly trained candidates currently completing their training at the EMPD Academy.
These officers will soon be ready to protect and serve, further strengthening our policing capacity across Ekurhuleni. We are also working closely with SAPS under our existing Memorandum of Understanding and local community security organisations such CPF’s and private security to ensure there is no disruption in policing services across Ekurhuleni during this period.
The City of Ekurhuleni remains committed to public safety, accountability, and the fair treatment of all employees. I want to assure the people of Ekurhuleni that law and order will be maintained, and we will continue to act decisively against any actions that threaten the safety and wellbeing of our communities.
Thank you.
