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COURT CONFIRMS MUNICIPAL ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND INTERDICTS UNLAWFUL CONDUCT LINKED TO MECSU STRIKE ACTION

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 4251

The City of Ekurhuleni welcomes the ruling of the Essential Services Committee (ESC), delivered on 17 September 2025, which refused the application by the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) to amend the categories of designated essential service employees. The status quo therefore remains: employees in municipal traffic services, health services, security services, water and sanitation, and waste collection are designated as essential services and are not permitted to participate in strike action unless a valid court order has been obtained. The City will continue to defend uninterrupted service delivery and safeguard the rights of residents to reliable municipal services.

In addition, the City wishes to remind striking workers of the Court Order issued in relation to the ongoing MECSU strike action that commenced on 12 September 2025. This order provides important clarity and safeguards to protect residents, employees, and the continuity of municipal services.

The Court has interdicted and restrained the Respondents from:

  • Blockading entrances and exits at City offices;
  • Preventing members of the public, non-striking employees, and service providers from accessing or leaving municipal premises; and
  • Engaging in verbal or physical intimidation, threats, or harassment.

To ensure compliance, the Court directed that the order be widely disseminated through:

  • Personal service by designated officials at affected premises;
  • Public posting at entrances, staff notice boards, and sites such as Germiston Civic Centre and Head Office;
  • Electronic communication via WhatsApp, SMS, email, and departmental broadcast groups; and,
  • Police assistance, with the EMPD mandated to support dissemination and enforcement.

The City of Ekurhuleni reiterates its commitment to uninterrupted service delivery for residents and businesses. While the City respects the constitutional right to strike, this must be exercised lawfully and without infringing on the rights of residents to safety, access to services, and freedom of movement.

The City thanks both the Court and the Essential Services Committee for providing certainty on these matters and calls on all stakeholders to act responsibly in the best interests of the people of Ekurhuleni.