Pretoria motorists are experiencing significant delays as EMPD officers block the R21 Southbound in protest against reduced overtime hours. The demonstration, which started on Wednesday morning, sees officers demanding the City of Ekurhuleni reinstate their previous overtime benefits.
The R21 Southbound between Bapsfontein and Voortrekker Road has been completely blocked by marked EMPD vehicles, causing heavy congestion. Additional road closures have been reported across Gauteng, exacerbating the traffic chaos. These include the N12 Springs/Dayveton off-ramp direction Johannesburg, R21 between R23 and R25, N17 near Carnival City, R21 at the Benoni off-ramp, N12 between Putfontein and Kingsway off-ramps, and the R24 Gillooly’s Interchange affecting the N12 and R24.
Traffic disruptions have also been reported in the northern, eastern, and southern regions. In the northern region, delays have been noted at OR Tambo International Airport and along the R21 South, which then connects to the N12 West, N3 South at Gillooly’s Interchange, and the M2 East Geldenhuys Interchange leading into Germiston. The eastern region has seen closures along the R51 (Kingsway Road) near Modderbee Prison, while the southern region has congestion near Vosloorus CCC, with delays affecting the N3 North towards Johannesburg, M2 East Geldenhuys Interchange, and routes leading into Germiston.
According to reports by the Kempton Express, EMPD officers are frustrated after the City of Ekurhuleni implemented a drastic reduction in their overtime hours. Previously capped at 40 hours per month, the new limit of 16 hours came into effect on March 1 as part of the city’s cost-saving measures. Officers argue that these cuts do not take into account the critical nature of their work and the necessity of overtime to maintain public safety.
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This is not the first time EMPD officers have attempted to raise their concerns. On February 27, officers had planned to picket and hand over a memorandum to the mayor. However, the City of Ekurhuleni obtained a court order preventing essential service workers from striking. The demands also included the permanent employment of contract workers.
The Labour Court ruled that essential service employees cannot legally strike, but a final ruling on the matter is expected on March 20.
With traffic at a standstill and tensions running high, authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Motorists are urged to stay updated on road conditions and seek alternative routes until the protest is resolved. Meanwhile, EMPD officers continue to stand firm on their demands, putting pressure on the city to reconsider its decision.
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