The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has wrapped up its 10th Western Cape Provincial Congress, a two-day event held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town on October 6 and 7.
The congress follows a series of similar gatherings across the provinces, including Gauteng and Limpopo, and was dedicated to the theme of “Building a sustainable organisation in defence of collective bargaining”.
With a focus on the pressing issues facing its members in the province’s criminal justice cluster (CJC), the congress culminated in the election of new provincial leadership.
Among the newly elected officers, Conwe Flink has taken the helm as Popcru’s provincial chairperson, supported by Archie Mokgothu as deputy chairperson. Mluleki Mbhele was appointed secretary, with Nomalungelo “Jacky” Lucas as deputy secretary and Claudine Julies stepping in as treasurer.
Their election marks a pivotal moment as they are now entrusted with leading the charge on behalf of public sector workers, particularly in light of ongoing public sector wage negotiations.
In a spirited address, Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya congratulated the new leadership, emphasising the urgency of their mandate.
“You have been called to stand on the front lines in the fight for workers’ rights,” he stated, pointing to the frustration of public servants over stagnant wage increases that have persisted for four years.
Ngwenya condemned the government’s failure to honour the final leg of the 2018 Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) salary agreement, labelling it a betrayal of trust.
“Our members have been short-changed by government,” Ngwenya asserted. “Austerity measures have been forced upon us while workers are left without recourse, as government has continually undermined collective bargaining processes.
“Meanwhile, our members continue to bear the brunt of budget cuts, retrenchments, and the freezing of vacant posts, leaving them with more work and fewer resources.”
He concluded with a rallying cry: “Our members are now looking to us to defend their rights, and we cannot fail them.”
The congress also highlighted critical issues affecting correctional services in the province.
Ngwenya expressed deep concern about the unsafe conditions facing prison staff, outlining instances such as precarious housing arrangements at Pollsmoor Prison where wardens are subjected to perilous conditions.
He detailed how some cells at Malmesbury Prison are only secured with easily breakable padlocks, raising alarm over violent attacks on officers, which have reportedly surged in frequency.
“Current safety protocols are either ineffective or not implemented correctly,” he warned, advocating for stronger collaboration between Popcru and Correctional Services management to enhance safety in prisons.
Further addressing the congregation, Ngwenya unpacked another critical concern: the crumbling infrastructure of police stations.
He cited Khayelitsha SAPS, noting significant leaks during rainfall that have created an unhealthy working environment.
He recounted a recent incident where 10 officers in Cape Town were injured after becoming trapped in a malfunctioning elevator, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructural improvements.
“The automatic safety gates at certain stations have broken down, forcing officers to open them manually — a dangerous task, especially during night shifts,” Ngwenya added.
The Star