By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has announced its new national leadership, following successful elections at its 10th National Congress in Durban.
Thulani Ngwenya has been elected president of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru).
The Cosatu-affiliated union, representing more than 150,000 police, correctional and traffic officials held its tenth annual congress in Durban.
Ngwenya said addressing the government’s austerity measures within the criminal justice cluster is on his priority list.
“As we navigate through the formidable challenges presented by austerity cuts on the criminal justice system and the working class who are already under extreme financial pressure, Popcru remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of our members and ensuring they are not unduly burdened,” he said.
Ngwenya’s immediate goals include finalising the shift system in correctional services, implementing translation systems within the SAPS and pushing for the nationalisation of the traffic police department.
“The nationalisation and standardisation of training, uniforms, conditions of service, and benefits for traffic officers are essential steps toward creating a more cohesive and effective force,” explained Ngwenya.
“Our union will be addressing the fragmented nature of the current system for traffic officers, for example as officers in different provinces operate under different departments.”
“This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
Ngwenya’s incumbent executive committee includes new first deputy president Mosadiwamaje Veronica Mokokong, and second deputy president Zamikhaya Skate.
Jeffrey Dladla is the new general secretary. Thulani Nsele, who has a cloud of corruption allegations, was re-elected as treasurer.