Ekurhuleni – The Labour Court has granted an interim interdict to stop protesting union members from blocking access to municipal buildings and preventing residents from reaching critical services.
This is after members of the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) protested outside the OR Tambo Government Precinct and Civic Centre.
On Thursday, 11 September 2025, hundreds of disgruntled MECSU members joined the protest to demand the end of the outsourcing of jobs for cleaners and security guards by the City of Ekurhuleni.
However, citing unruly behaviour during the protest, the City of Ekurhuleni said it sought the court interdict because, “These actions not only disrupted municipal operations but also caused severe distress to families who were unable to access the remains of their deceased loved ones”.
The City added: “MECSU members contravened the conditions of their protest application by blocking access to municipal buildings and preventing residents from reaching critical services, including the on-site clinic and the Germiston Forensic Pathology Services”.
In that regard, the City said it “welcomes” the decision of the Labour Court, which granted an interim interdict against the unlawful conduct of members of MECSU.
The interim interdict prohibits MECSU members from engaging in any further conduct that disrupts municipal operations, threatens the safety of employees, or denies residents access to essential services.
The City also revealed that the State Attorney was drafting the formal court order, which will be uploaded and enforced accordingly.
The City said it respects the right to protest but reaffirms that such rights must be exercised within the framework of the law and in accordance with the conditions under which peaceful demonstrations are approved.
“The safety and dignity of both employees and residents remain paramount, and the City will continue to take decisive steps to protect the,” the City said.
