BY BECKER SEMELA:
A new trade union for workers in the law-enforcement and criminal justice sector has been officially launched in Pretoria this week.
The National Union of Law Enforcement Civilian and Correctional Officials (NULECCO) was launched at the Velmore Hotel in Pretoria on Wednesday
Co-founding President Rankele Msinto said the launch marks the formal unveiling of the union, which aims to organise, represent and advance the interests of workers across South Africa’s law-enforcement and criminal justice environment.
Msinto described NULECCO as a “new baby” that enters the sector with a commitment to put workers back at the centre of the national conversation on the effectiveness, integrity and modernisation of the country’s law-enforcement institutions.
“As stated in our inaugural public statement, the union intends to represent workers, challenge complacency, advance solutions and demand accountability.
The union brings together workers who are critical to the country’s safety and justice system, including police officers, correctional officials, traffic and metro police officials, civilian
employees, border personnel, administrative, technical and professional workers.
Msinto, a former Popcru spokesperson in the Free State, said the union will focus on pressing challenges facing workers, including working conditions, lack of resources, occupational safety and wellness, professional development, institutional accountability, technology and modernisation, as well as meaningful worker participation in reforms.
NULECCO Secretary-General Phiri Matsemela said South Africa cannot build strong law-enforcement institutions while neglecting the people who make those institutions work.
“The union’s purpose is not simply to exist, but to change what organised labour can achieve for workers in this sector.
The union’s motto is “United in Justice, Stronger in Service,” emphasized Matsemela.
The launch was attended by provincial committees and their members. Msinto added that since its formation in November 2025, the union has expanded to provinces and elected interim provincial leaders. – @NewsSA_Online
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