ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has criticised the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) traffic officers for staging an unprotected strike and using State vehicles to block the busy R24 highway near OR Tambo International Airport, in protest against overtime and salary adjustments.
Mbalula’s comments came Wednesday afternoon following the officers' illegal protest, which caused significant traffic disruption on major roads.
The strike, which affected major roads, including the R24 westbound between the OR Tambo Interchange and Electron Interchange and all lanes of the N3 northbound between Heidelberg and Elands, resulted in severe traffic congestion.
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) Mbalula harshly criticised the officers for taking to the streets to protest using State vehicles and causing traffic chaos.
“Closing the highway using state vehicles in an unprotected strike is wrong,” Mbalula wrote.
He added, “How will they enforce law and order if they lack it? This is wrong from EMPD.”
His remarks came after videos and pictures were circulating on social media, showing officers, in uniforms, blocking vehicles and holding posters, reading: “Adjust our salaries or take your guns".
However, netizens quickly flooded Mbalula’s comment section to criticise him for his remarks, pointing to the ANC, under Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza who leads the metro.
“Your mayor lost control of the city don't come here crying,” said @isaac_hlungwana.
“Address your mayor directly, Ntate. Don't come here and make us noise. We have our own problems tog,” said @katli3v3.
@deon597447 added: “Your government is in favour of this Fikile, now you want to grandstand. Your whole ANC tribe should be arrested for causing this.”
Your mayor lost control of the city dont come here crying
— Gen BAZOOKA 🇿🇦 🇵🇸 (@isaac_hlungwana) March 19, 2025
Speaking to IOL News, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the metro was unaware of the strike beforehand.
“We didn’t know anything about the metro police officers taking to the streets to protest. They didn’t tell us, so it was illegal,” Dlamini said.
In a letter of demands seen by IOL News sent to the EMPD’s Chief of Police, Julius Mkwanazi, the officers expressed their grievances regarding salary adjustments, overtime compensation, and unfair labour practices, which they said continue to persist despite repeated attempts at resolution.
The officers said in the past they benefited from overtime, which was regarded as part of their salary, enabling them to meet financial obligations such as loan approvals and other necessities.
“The employer has now significantly reduced officers' overtime salaries from 80 hours to 16 hours, which will severely impact their financial stability and overall morale,” the letter reads.
The officers called this a drastic reduction which they said will place them below the standard living scale and erode their financial security, affecting their families and wellbeing.
They also voiced concerns about salary discrepancies and lack of benefits.
“The City of Ekurhuleni recently adjusted VIP EMPD salaries from R37,039 to R44,486 per month, including a 10% discrepancy benefit,” the letter added.
Address your Mayor directly ntate. Don't come here and make us noise. We have our own problems tog
— katli3v3 (@katli3v3) March 19, 2025
However, the letter argued that the ground-level officers face greater risks and dangers without receiving similar benefits, such as danger allowances and night shift allowances.
“The inequality in salary structures between VIP EMPD officers and standard EMPD officers must be addressed immediately,” the letter stated.
Dlamini confirmed that an investigation was under way to determine which officers participated in the strike.
“The investigation will look at these officers who were supposed to be at work during the protest, examine the misuse of resources, such as vehicles, and carrying firearms. Additionally, if it’s discovered that they caused any damage or injuries, action will be taken against them,” Dlamini added.
IOL Politics