Media Release
07th March 2011
In defense of the integrity of the Organization
It has come to the attention of the leadership and all structures of our
organization that defamatory statements have been distributed to many of
institutions we are organizing and some media houses such as the Mail and
Guardian.
An article dated 04th March 2011 titled “Cele saga divides Union” was one of
the
much malice against the integrity of POPCRU. The purpose of these malodorous
statements are meant to undermine the functionality of POPCRU and its
membership
and also disrupt our election processes, which resumed with Local Congresses on
the 01st March 2011 leading to the National Congress in June 2011 at Free State.
Allegations of being fired for exposing corruption
It is unlettered for Mr. Vukile Pambo, who was dismissed by the organization as
the Head of Department: Organizing to spread lies that “He was allegedly fired
by POPCRU for exposing corruption”.
For the record, he was dismissed for fraudulent activities in diverting
recruiting incentives for his benefits, his partner and the partner of a former
Unit Head: Organizing, who was not employed by the organization, at the expense
of members, who did the actual recruitment.
POPCRU introduced an incentive scheme wherein any member who recruits members
was allocated a R100 for that. He took the matter to the Commission for
Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration [CCMA] and he should appraise the
public
about the outcome of his referrals.
He was dismissed for dishonesty after due processes were instituted and was
found guilty as charged. He further incited officials to resign from the
organization and continues to campaign against the shield of workers in the
Criminal Justice-POPCRU.
Respect for Democratic Centralism and Worker Control
It is disingenuous of the so-called complainant on the article to allege that
the Special Extended National Executive Committee was convened solely for the
“Cele saga”. This has been a scheduled event on the planner of POPCRU to
discuss, amongst others, finalization of 2010 Central Executive Committee
matters.
We interrogated the 92-paged Public Protector’s Report released on the 22nd
February 2011 and generally welcomed the illustration of the findings. Our
position on the matter is that we appreciate what the Public Protector has done
on three accounts;
* Investigation on what happened,
* What should have happened, and
* Is there any ground for maladministration, prejudice, gross violation
of
Public Finance Management Act [PFMA] and other statutes?
We further said the task that remains to be pursued on this “Headquarters saga”
is that there is a need for workers to be allocated office space however proper
processes must be followed. To suggest allege that “Senior Union Officials did
not approve of the decision” is injurious to the respect of democratic
centralism and internal democracy within the organization.
POPCRU is not a federal organization and issues get debated such as the
previous
2010 Public Service National Strike. A Special Extended National Executive
Committee was held at Centurion Hotel on the occasion of our National Political
School which was preceded by a series of Provincial Shop Steward Councils. The
resolution as at that time was for Labour to agree on the revised offer after
many factors were unpacked, for or against not signing in consultation with the
COSATU Joint Management Committee [JMC].
POPCRU at that time was engaged in a marathon of Labour Court battles with the
employers South African Police Services [SAPS] and Department of Correctional
Services [DSC], who applied for Interim Court Orders preventing our membership
to participate in the pickets and other related actions. The basis of these
court battles were on who were declared essential services workers as per the
Court Order of 2007? And the Union’s argument was that not all workers in both
Departments were rendering essential services as per the 2007 Court Order in
our
favour
The acceptance of the 7, 5% Salary Increase was an outcome of major
interventions that, amongst others, including COSATU playing its role to bring
all parties together. To suggest that “the national leadership accepted the
increase last year against the wishes of members”, is uncharacteristic. He must
as the former HOD agrees that negotiations are about give and take and
therefore
such concessions are made within the complex and dynamic moments of Collective
Bargaining.
Membership Service is a priority within POPCRU Structures
The article further made allegations that “POPCRU is no longer standing for its
members” are way off the mark. We have recently launched Labour Court
applications the imposition of the Shift System in Kwazulu-Natal, which were
declared in our favour. We continue to hold meetings as per our constitutional
provisions. On the 01st March 2011 we resumed revival of Locals through the
convening of Local Congress as per Chapter 15, Section 18, and Sub-Section 18,
3, to enhance coordination of institutions in all locals as part of
consolidation of working class power within the Criminal Justice
On Accusation of misappropriation of funds
POPCRU has over the years established the business arms through the Companies
Act to amongst others, to enhance the sustainability of the Union interests for
the membership. The financial matters at the business arms are held in terms of
the legislation that control companies in this country and also subjected to an
Independent Auditing done through external auditors for each financial year.
And such reports are also presented to the Central Executive Committee of the
organization and/or the National Congress for considerations. And POPCRU upon
receiving the complaints will institute an investigation of any wrong doing
against any person alleged to have committed them and shall be dealt with as
such. The matters remain sub judice as a case of defamation has been
instituted
against the authors of these allegations.
The leadership views these injurious statements in a very serious light and
trust that our rank and file shall disregard them as worthless remarks. Any
discussions of organizational matters outside Constitutional structures and
spread of rumours, is uncalled for.
We will defend the organization by all means against any attacks, including
unmasking the agenda of all those involved.
A POPCRU Member is our priority!
For more information contact:
POPCRU General Secretary-Nkosinathi Theledi 0825677803
Issued by:
Mampane Norman
National Spokesperson
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union
Tel: 0112424600/4615
Cell: 0720737959
Email: [email protected]
www.popcru.org.za
01 Marie Road
Auckland Park
2006
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