Court Intervenes in Union Protest at OR Tambo Government Precinct Civic Centre
Ekurhuleni – The Labour Court has granted an interim interdict to stop protesting union members from obstructing entry to municipal buildings and preventing residents from accessing crucial services.
This decision comes after a demonstration held 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 disgruntled MECSU members took part in the protest, calling for an end to the outsourcing of jobs for cleaners and security staff by the City of Ekurhuleni.
However, due to reports of unruly behavior during the protest, the City of Ekurhuleni requested the court interdict, stating that “These actions not only disrupted municipal operations but also caused considerable distress to families unable to reach the remains of their deceased loved ones.”
The City further noted: “MECSU members breached the terms of their protest application by preventing access to municipal buildings and blocking residents from obtaining essential services, including the on-site clinic and the Germiston Forensic Pathology Services.”
In this regard, the City expressed its approval of the Labour Court’s ruling to issue an interim interdict against the unlawful actions of MECSU members.
The interim interdict specifically prohibits MECSU members from partaking in any activities that disrupt municipal operations, threaten employee safety, or deny residents access to vital services.
The City also revealed that the State Attorney is currently preparing the formal court order, which will be published and enforced accordingly.
The City respects the right to protest but emphasizes that such rights must be exercised within the legal framework and the stipulated conditions for peaceful demonstrations.
“The safety and dignity of both employees and residents are of utmost importance, and the City will continue to implement robust measures to safeguard them,” the City stated.