Tshwane mayor ‘flees’ TMPD ceremony due to ‘union activity’

“They all ran away,” claimed Samwu shop steward Immanuel Manganyi.

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Samwu members at the unveiling were angry about alleged underpayment as well as a number of other issues such as a lack of uniforms, vehicles and firearms.

Other issues included promotions, alleged exploitation and discrimination in addition to poor safety standards at municipal buildings.

“There is a lack of management in the TMPD, with no assistance from the mayor and city manager,” said

Manganyi called on the mayor to ensure “adequate management” as they were being “failed” by their heads.

He said currently officers were being called back to work at a 100% capacity.

“This does not meet Covid occupational health and safety requirements,” he claimed.

Manganyi accused the TMPD of mismanagement during the pandemic.

“We have lost almost eight officers in the department this year alone. We cannot allow these deaths to continue.

“Anyone visiting TMPD headquarters are not even sanitised or screened when entering.”

He claimed the department was violating the law by not complying with coronavirus regulations.

“The TMPD has collapsed because of a lack of management.”

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He further said some sergeants, inspectors and superintendents were not remunerated and appointed correctly according to a 2006 grading scheme.

“This grading scheme is the only valid scheme to be applied to the aggrieved employees.”

Another problem at the department was pregnancy benefits.

“When you work at the TMPD and get pregnant, they take your benefits away,” he claimed.

Mayoral spokesperson Jordan Griffiths said the mayor had to leave “because the event was disrupted by union activity”.

“Samwu TMPD members had some labour issues they wanted addressed, but this was not the platform to do so.

“We will advise on the new date [for the unveiling] once new arrangements are finalised.”

TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba apologised that the event was postponed.

“We could not continue due to unforeseen circumstances. We sincerely apologise.”