OR Tambo Government Precinct: Court Intervenes in Union Protest at Civic Centre

Ekurhuleni – The Labour Court has issued an interim interdict to prevent protesting union members from obstructing access to municipal buildings and hindering residents from obtaining essential services.

This action follows a demonstration by members of the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) outside the OR Tambo Government Precinct and Civic Centre.

On Thursday, 11 September 2025, hundreds of dissatisfied MECSU members participated in the protest, demanding an end to the outsourcing of jobs for cleaners and security personnel by the City of Ekurhuleni.

However, citing disorderly conduct during the protest, the City of Ekurhuleni sought the court interdict, stating, “These actions not only disrupted municipal operations but also caused significant distress to families unable to access the remains of their deceased loved ones.”

The City further stated: “MECSU members violated the terms of their protest application by blocking access to municipal buildings and preventing residents from reaching vital services, including the on-site clinic and the Germiston Forensic Pathology Services.”

In this context, the City expressed that it “welcomes” the Labour Court’s decision to grant an interim interdict against the unlawful actions of MECSU members.

The interim interdict explicitly forbids MECSU members from engaging in any actions that disrupt municipal operations, jeopardize employee safety, or deny residents access to critical services.

The City also disclosed that the State Attorney is in the process of drafting the formal court order, which will be published and enforced accordingly.

The City respects the right to protest but reiterates that such rights should be exercised within the legal framework and the conditions set for peaceful demonstrations.

“The safety and dignity of both employees and residents remain paramount, and the City will continue to take strong measures to protect them,” the City stated.