UPDATE: 29, August, 9.26am
“Firstly, the SAPS management has implemented contingency plans to ensure that service delivery is not compromised in any way. Secondly, the march will be closely monitored by our Public Order Policing Unit to ensure that it will take place in a peaceful manner,” he said.
Mokgale also expressed disappointment at Popcru’s decision to strike.
“It is rather disappointing that Popcru has yet again chosen the strike action route as opposed to continuing with the negotiations and correctly informing its members about the good progress made. Contrary to the statement made by Popcru, management has implemented the relevant agreement. Steps are planned to address the remaining factors.”
Meanwhile, Popcru spokesperson Theto Mahlakoana said members have started gathering at the Old Putco bus depot in Marabastad, Pretoria this morning.
“I can’t estimate the number of members that are here at the moment, all I can tell you is that we are still expecting more members to arrive,” she added.
UPDATE: 28, August, 4:12pm
Police administrators affiliated to the Police and Prison Civil Rights Union (Popcru) will march to the National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega’s office in Pretoria on 29 August.
This after the employer failed to meet their demands since June this year.
Popcru spokesperson Theto Mahlakoana said the union demanded the implementation of a department of public servants administration directive, which would upgrade the levels of all administration staff in line with other public service departments.
“The employer is also bound by law to put into effect an agreement signed in 2011 at the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council, which dictates that all employees under the Public Service Act will be translated into the South African Police Service Act, but has consistently failed to do so,” Mahlakoana said.
“Police management had shown disregard for the needs of the administrators and other workers employed under the act, despite existing legal documents forcing the employer to improve their conditions,” she added.
The march to the offices of the National Commissioner will be led by Popcru president, Zizamele Cebekhulu, and those from other unions including Cosatu and the SACP. The marchers will gather at the Old Putco bus depot in Marabastad, Pretoria from 8am and will proceed to the National Commissioner’s office at 10am.
