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South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has strongly rejected comments made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who linked the shortage of police officers to union wage demands.
Speaking at a government crime stakeholder engagement in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, Mkhwanazi suggested that unions were partly responsible for the lack of police officers across the country.
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“They are going down more thanks to who? The unions. The labour people who said we want higher salaries for our employees.
“So, the more government increases salaries, the fewer they employ. The fewer they employ, the more crime there is. The reality is that too many things are wrong in our country which contribute, and labour laws are among those,” said Mkhwanazi.
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His remarks quickly sparked backlash from labour organisations, with Saftu and Cosatu condemning the claims as misleading and divisive.
Saftu Hits Back: Budget Cuts, Not Unions, to Blame
In a statement on Wednesday, Vavi criticised Mkhwanazi for “distorting the real issues” facing police officers.
“Saftu strongly disagrees with the assertion by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi that union demands for higher salaries are hampering efforts to fill policing vacancies,” he said.
Instead, Vavi argued that budget cuts and austerity measures were the real obstacles.
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“Budget cuts, not wage demands, are the real crisis,” Vavi said. “Government must provide living wages that reflect the risks and responsibilities of policing as well as the rising cost of living.”
He pointed out that the South African Police Service (SAPS) operates far below international standards, with one officer serving an average of 423 people, according to 2023 figures. Reports for 2024–25 suggest this ratio has worsened to one officer per 427 citizens.
Vavi added that many South Africans have turned to private security for protection, creating inequality in access to safety.
“Private security has surged with more than 2.7 million registered private guards, now outnumbering police and military combined. Only the wealthy can afford protection, while the majority, especially in working-class and informal settlements, are left dangerously exposed,” he warned.
Calls for Better Training and Accountability
Despite the criticism, Vavi agreed with Mkhwanazi on the need for improved police training and resources.
“Government must invest in training, tools and accountability structures, so each officer is equipped, professional and trusted by the communities they serve,” he said.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) also expressed disappointment with Mkhwanazi’s remarks.
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“These remarks are misplaced, out of context and risk creating unnecessary tension between the labour movement and law enforcement leadership,” the federation said.
Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission—tasked with investigating allegations made by Mkhwanazi against Minister Senzo Mchunu—is expected to begin its work in September.
Parliament has also formed an ad hoc committee to probe the same allegations, which include claims of political interference in police investigations and corruption networks within the NPA, judiciary, and SAPS.
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