The Special National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has called on Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to immediately intervene to rectify discriminatory practices in the South African Police Service (SAPS) that are preventing the career progression of members employed under the Public Service Act (PSA).
According to Popcru president, Thulani Ngwenya, a report points to prejudicial practices of PSA members who are prevented from career advancement.
“We have recently received a deeply alarming report regarding the unequal and prejudicial treatment of PSA members in comparison to their peers employed under the SAPS Act. PSA members, including vital administrative professionals, accountants, human resources personnel, and forensic analysts, are being deliberately overlooked for relevant promotions, especially to managerial posts, even as SAPS Act or operational members continue to receive opportunities to rise through the ranks,” he said.
Ngwenya said the lack of attention to challenges faced by members threaten the integrity and efficiency of the SAPS, adding that this matter needs to be attended to.
“This blatant disregard for PSA members is threatening the integrity, reputation, and efficiency of SAPS as a whole. Already, serious systemic issues within SAPS’s structures and promotion policies mean that PSA members’ progression is capped at level 7, while SAPS Act members can progress to level 16.
“Yet now, members report that PSA members are not even being considered for level 7 positions.These members are critical support staff who form the very foundation of SAPS’s daily operations, without whom the organisation cannot function effectively.
“But without any prospect for career progression or growth, PSA members cannot be expected to remain within SAPS to lend the benefit of their knowledge, skills, and experience. Additionally, this exclusion takes a severe toll on morale and performance, leading to increased absenteeism and mental health issues,“ he said.
Ngwenya said Popcru has, since 2012, intensely advocated for the revision of SAPS policies to enable the fair and equitable promotion of PSA members.
“In 2023, we were on the brink of finalising a pivotal agreement that would allow our members to advance from level 1 to level 14, aligning the career paths of both PSA and SAPS Act members.
“However, despite reaching a consensus and securing acceptance in principle, SAPS management has failed to honour this agreement, completely undermining the established rules of union engagement that have been in place since 2009,” he said.
Ngwenya said Popcru is the biggest union representing PSA members but it has been excluded from crucial consultations on this matter.
“We call on Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to immediately intervene to rectify this issue.
“We further demand, not ask, for an urgent meeting with SAPS management to address their breach of agreement and to ensure that PSA members’ rights are respected and upheld without exception or discrimination,” he said.
The Star