The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) held its 10th Western Cape Provincial Congress on 6-7 October 2024 at the Century City Conference Centre. Under the theme ‘Building a Sustainable Organisation in Defence of Collective Bargaining’, the congress highlighted critical issues within the province’s criminal justice cluster and elected new provincial leaders.

The newly elected officials are Conwe Flink as Provincial Chairperson, Archie Mokgothu as Deputy Chairperson, Mluleki Mbhele as Secretary, Nomalungelo “Jacky” Lucas as Deputy Secretary, and Claudine Julies as Treasurer.

POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya stressed the urgency of defending workers’ rights amidst stagnant wage increases and ongoing budget cuts. “Our members have been short-changed by government austerity measures and are now working under increasingly difficult conditions,” he said.

The congress also raised major concerns about overcrowded and unsafe prisons, such as Pollsmoor and Malmesbury, where staff safety is at risk. There were calls for stronger safety measures and more self-sustainability programmes in correctional facilities.

In addition, deteriorating police infrastructure, including leaky stations like Khayelitsha SAPS and malfunctioning equipment, was spotlighted. POPCRU criticised the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for failing to maintain police buildings, leaving officers vulnerable, especially in gang-affected areas like Atlantis.

The union vowed to take a stand for safer working conditions and fair wages for its members in the province.