ANC and SACP vie for Popcru’s support

The Madlanga commission was established by the ANC government to address wrongdoing within the police service and criminal justice system. This decision was made public by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula at a Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) central executive committee gathering in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. Mbalula emphasized that the state established the commission due to the inability of a police service that tolerates criminality within its ranks to protect citizens effectively.

The commission was formed following revelations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and several senior police and traffic officials have testified before the commission.

Mbalula clarified that every allegation before the commission must be thoroughly tested, and every officer named is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. However, he also stated that consequences must be imposed on officers found guilty of wrongdoing, regardless of rank or political connection. Mbalula expressed confidence in the overwhelming majority of police members and Popcru members, stating they are honest, hardworking individuals, often under-protected.

He defended police members, emphasizing that they should not bear the shame of a few corrupt individuals. Mbalula highlighted that the ANC is committed to electing councillors who can address issues like water supply, electricity, road maintenance, and corruption-free municipal offices, as per the Freedom Charter set by the party seven decades ago.

The ANC leader acknowledged that the upcoming 4 November local government elections would be challenging for the ANC. Mbalula through Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, tried to persuade union members to campaign and vote for the ANC. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila responded by exposing ANC service delivery failures, attributing them to neoliberal policies adopted by the ANC government.

Mapaila asked Popcru to hold the ANC accountable in the lead-up to the elections, stating that it's an expectation to campaign, mobilize, and vote for the ANC in the local government elections. Mathale urged Popcru's shop stewards and members to communicate the significance of the upcoming elections to their colleagues and communities, emphasizing that Popcru did not owe its support to any organization but must earn it.

Both Mathale and Mapaila were applauded, but it was clear that the union leaned towards the SACP in their support.