On Friday, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) will mark the fourth day of its mobilization at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Head Office in Pretoria, where over 700 members from across the nation are advocating for immediate action to address persistent operational and policy issues.
This peaceful mobilization commenced on August 18, 2026, as POPCRU members sought urgent discussions with Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald.
Key concerns highlighted by POPCRU include the shift system, the promotion policy of the department, the rollout of the self-sustainability initiative, and the enforcement of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act in the context of the G4S contract at the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
The union has indicated that these issues have been raised with the DCS over several years, with some dating back to 2009.
POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya has urged the Minister to intervene on policy matters, particularly emphasizing the need for the full implementation of the self-sustainability program rather than its gradual introduction.
“The self-sustainability program should be fully implemented by Correctional Services, not in incremental steps,” stated Ngwenya.
The union expects a response from the Correctional Services by Friday, August 21, 2026, following a commitment to reply within four days after the union’s Central Executive Committee discussions.
POPCRU has cautioned that if the unresolved issues are not addressed, the mobilization could intensify.
“If not resolved, it may lead to significant consequences. We aim for a resolution. We do not desire interruptions, but if these issues remain unresolved, we may have to disrupt operations,” Ngwenya warned.
However, the union refrained from predicting whether this mobilization would compromise the safety and security of inmates or correctional facilities nationwide.
“We’ll handle it by Friday. There’s no need for speculation at this moment.” Ngwenya added.
The union believes that a positive outcome hinges on whether their demands are met with clear implementation dates and timelines.
“We expect that if all our requests can be fulfilled with set dates and timelines for completion, it will lead to a successful resolution.”
2009 PRISON OFFICIALS WORK SHIFT GRIEVANCES
The current disputes regarding working conditions trace back to changes made in 2009.
On June 24, 2009, an agreement was reached between the State and organized labor, culminating in GPSSBC Resolution 2 of 2009. This resolution introduced a 45-hour workweek and a seven-day work schedule for center-based correctional officials effective from July 1, 2009.
This agreement also mandated the DCS to create shift models that accommodate the specific needs of individual correctional facilities.
The implementation of the shift system, however, has sparked disputes between the DCS and organized labor.
Court records indicate that POPCRU contested elements of the 10-hour shift arrangement implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, asserting it did not align with the agreed framework.
Planning documents from the DCS have recognized ongoing challenges related to the shift system. The department noted that efforts were made to establish a seven-day work structure across regions, as well as progress towards a two-by-12-hour shift alternative.
Concerns related to working hours extend beyond just the shifts.
FORMER MINISTER NGOAKO RAMATLHODI ADDRESSES NATIONAL STRIKE AVOIDANCE
In a 2014 address, then Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Ngoako Ramatlhodi identified challenges faced by the department, including the implementation of a seven-day shift system, staffing levels, promotion policy, succession planning, and training.
He acknowledged that the lack of a clear promotion policy was adversely affecting morale and performance among staff. The labor relationship between POPCRU and the DCS was also scrutinized legally in 2009.
In one instance, the Minister of Correctional Services attempted to interdict POPCRU members from participating in an alleged unprotected strike.
Ultimately, the Labour Court discharged the interim order, ruling in favor of POPCRU and ordering the Minister to cover the union’s legal expenses.
