PSCU SA launches Ekurhuleni region

The Public Service Commercial Union of South Africa (PSCU SA) officially launched its Ekurhuleni Region on Saturday, 23 May 2026, in Meyersdal, where members elected a regional committee that will be responsible for building and coordinating branches throughout the Ekurhuleni region.

The launch forms part of PSCU SA’s ongoing national expansion programme and reflects the remarkable growth the union has experienced since its establishment in 2021. In just a few years, PSCU SA has emerged as one of the fastest-growing independent trade unions in South Africa, attracting public servants from various sectors who are seeking accountable and effective representation.

Unlike many traditional labour organisations, PSCU SA prides itself on its independence and non-affiliation to any political party. This independence has become one of the union’s greatest strengths, with many public servants choosing PSCU SA because they believe it represents members fairly and without fear, favour or political influence.

Addressing delegates and workers gathered at the launch, PSCU SA Secretary General Tahir Maepa emphasised the importance of accountability within the labour movement and urged public servants to hold their unions accountable for the mandates entrusted to them.

“A union’s size means nothing if that size is not being used to advance the interests of its members. Workers must demand accountability from their unions and ensure that their subscriptions are being used to protect and advance their rights and interests,” said Maepa.

Maepa further criticised what he described as the growing disconnect between some unions and the workers they claim to represent. He referred to recent legal developments involving the Public Servants Association (PSA), arguing that the matter highlights the importance of proper governance and constitutional compliance within trade unions.

According to Maepa, the PSA matter serves as a reminder that no organisation is above its own constitution and that union leaders must always act within the mandates granted to them by members. He said public servants should pay close attention to developments affecting unions because such matters ultimately impact worker representation, organisational stability and confidence in labour institutions.

“The issues that have emerged around the PSA, where the court found that their constitution is invalid, since it’s a constitution of a company not of a union, should encourage workers across the public service to ask important questions about governance, transparency and accountability. Members have a right to know how decisions are made, whether constitutional processes are being followed, and whether their interests remain the primary focus of the organisation,” Maepa said.

He added that strong unions are built on democratic principles and member participation, not merely on membership numbers or historical influence. In his view, recent events demonstrate why workers should remain actively involved in the affairs of their unions and ensure that leadership structures remain accountable at all times.

He stated that PSCU SA was established to provide workers with a genuine alternative, built on transparency, accountability and member ownership.

“PSCU SA belongs to public servants. It is their union, built by workers for workers. Our mission is to ensure that every member has a voice and that the union remains accountable to those it serves,” he said.

The newly elected Ekurhuleni Regional Committee has been mandated to establish branches across the region, recruit members and strengthen PSCU SA’s presence within government departments and public entities operating within Ekurhuleni.

The launch attracted strong support from workers across various sectors of the public service, including local government, education, health, safety and security, and administrative services. Delegates expressed optimism that the establishment of the Ekurhuleni Region would strengthen worker representation and provide public servants with an independent platform through which their concerns can be addressed.

The successful launch of the Ekurhuleni Region marks another significant chapter in PSCU SA’s growth journey and reinforces the union’s commitment to building a member-driven organisation dedicated to protecting and advancing the interests of public servants across South Africa.