THE Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) concluded its 10th Provincial Congress for Limpopo this week, where it revealed its new provincial leadership.
Held in Tzaneen, the congress saw delegates from across the province come together to discuss strategies for improving working conditions, enhancing safety, and ensuring justice for all its members.
The newly elected provincial leadership will be headed by Chairperson Nelson Maisela, supported by Deputy Chairperson Peggy Ramavhunga, Secretary Phuthi Mabotja, Deputy Secretary Johanna Motau and Treasurer Ndifalini Nevari. POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya congratulated the new leaders, and emphasised the critical role they will play in addressing the numerous challenges faced by POPCRU members in Limpopo.
The congress also celebrated the achievements of some of its distinguished members, as Linda Ouma Nyalungu was honoured with the Pretty Shuping Award for championing women’s rights and combating gender-based violence. This award is in memoriam of dedicated activist and a leader of POPCRU, Pretty Shuping, who helped make the union the success it is today.
Additionally, George Kekana received the Historical Award, given to a member who has made significant sacrifices and provided great value to the union, while Moalusi Daniel Letsoalo was recognised for his 15 years of dedicated service to POPCRU with a special award and a R5,000 prize from Old Mutual.
Member challenges addressed
Delegates explored a number of critical issues facing its more than 8,500 members within the South African Police Service (SAPS), correctional services, and traffic departments in the province. The union reiterated that police members continue to experience unfair dismissals, relentless attacks, and severe delays in the implementation of arbitration awards, all of which the union has been working tirelessly to resolve.
To this point, POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya says, “The delays in arbitration awards are costly for our members, and are completely unacceptable – this is an issue that must be addressed within Limpopo.
“We are also calling for the immediate filling of vacant posts to bolster the capacity of Limpopo’s SAPS, and to enhance the safety of both police officers and communities. Finally, the increase in attacks on police stations and the killing of officers is a grave concern. We are urging our members to remain vigilant and to defend themselves against these targeted attacks.”
Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
Limpopo delegates further raised concerns about the treatment of POPCRU’s members in private prisons, stressing the need to hold these institutions accountable.
POPCRU’s provincial leadership continued to advocate for the transformation of correctional services from punitive institutions to rehabilitative services, noting that inmates should be put to work and earn salaries to support their families.
Likewise, POPCRU proposes utilising correctional service lands to establish farms, particularly in areas where new prisons are built outside of towns. This initiative would provide job opportunities for inmates, and ultimately help correctional facilities become self-sustaining.
Department of Traffic
The congress addressed the attempts by the Department of Transport to implement a 24/7 shift system prematurely. POPCRU cautions against hasty implementation without ensuring the necessary resources and support are in place.
Additionally, the union has called for the incorporation of the Department of Traffic into the SAPS, as per the 2007 Polokwane ANC Conference resolution, to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Resource distribution and infrastructure
The congress highlighted the mismanagement of resource distribution, particularly in rural areas, cautioning that POPCRU members in regions such as Limpopo often rely on outdated vehicles, hampering their ability to fight crime effectively. As a result, the union called for a more strategic and equitable distribution of resources to ensure that all areas are adequately equipped.
“The inadequate provision of transport for members working in remote stations poses a significant safety risk, as they often have to leave for work or home at odd hours when transport is difficult to come by. This increases the danger of being attacked outside of work. POPCRU demands that police management address this issue urgently to ensure the safety and well-being of our members,” says Ngwenya.
Moreover, the provision of uniforms, essential equipment, and fair compensation remains a challenge across Limpopo.
“Many officers work extended hours with little to no compensation, under undesirable conditions of service, and without proper risk management measures. To make things worse, they are often forced to work without the proper crime-fighting equipment, and in buildings that have not seen maintenance in many years,” he adds.
“A number of buildings within the Limpopo criminal justice sector pose significant health hazards and risks to our members. Several police stations across the province are in a severely dilapidated state, necessitating immediate refurbishment to ensure safe and conducive working conditions.”
POPCRU Limpopo has made an urgent call to the SAPS management to present a concrete plan at the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council (SSSBC) for the refurbishment of these stations.
Ngwenya encouraged the union’s provincial leaders to continue pushing for improved working conditions, better upward mobility within the various law enforcement structures, as well as the overall refurbishment of deteriorating infrastructure in Limpopo that affect how well its members can fulfil their duty as crime prevention and enforcement officers.
