For the 34th anniversary of the union’s founding on Sunday, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) held a special memorial lecture to honour Comrade Nomhle Pretty Shingonzo-Shuping, a dedicated activist and union leader, who passed away on 10 June 2008.

Held on the eve of the union’s 10th National Congress, the memorial lecture was opened by POPCRU President Dr Zizamele Cebekhulu-Makhaza, who reminded all present to emulate her example of humility, commitment, compassion, and willingness to listen to others.  

Pretty Shuping played a pivotal role in South Africa's emancipation from apartheid and in championing women’s rights and gender equality within the criminal justice system. In 2004, she was elected the Vice-President of POPCRU, where she continued to make a valuable contribution to the organisation’s endeavours to fight for workers' rights. 

She was also a Central Executive Committee member of COSATU, Chairperson of the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), and a member of the SSSBC Training Committee.

On her achievements, Dr Cebekhulu-Makhaza said that Shuping “…was an active agent for change. She stood strong against black oppression and fought to ensure that the children of future generations would not suffer the same racism and injustices of apartheid that she herself experienced.”

Shuping’s contributions to the democratic struggle and POPCRU’s own history are today commemorated with the Pretty Shuping Award, which is awarded to innovative members who have demonstrated success at implementing, promoting, and advocating for gender equality within the trade union movement. 

“She was known for her strong convictions, her devotion to her fellow man, and her dedication to the liberation of women. Yet, despite her many successes, she remained disciplined, unassuming, and gracious,” he said.

“We owe it to her, and to the others who dedicated themselves to serving the people of South Africa, to ensure that we eradicate poverty, underdevelopment, racism, sexism, and ageism in our country. We must realise the renewal of Africa, and contribute to the construction of a new world order of equality and shared prosperity.

“To achieve these objectives, we need the quiet courage of a Pretty Shuping, without seeking fame and acclaim. We need the same steadfast attachment to our principles, without expectation of personal reward. We must cultivate the use of our minds and skills to advance the interests of the people as Pretty Shuping did, rather than focusing on our own selfish desires.”

As a POPCRU leader, Shuping worked tirelessly toward eradicating gender discrimination and effecting change to promote the greater representation of female leaders in the criminal justice sector. However, the representation of women within the criminal justice cluster remains low, with further underlying issues such as discrimination, lower salaries than male counterparts, harassment, and stereotyping. 

“This needs to change. It is the collective responsibility of every man and woman to fight for the emancipation and restoration of women's dignity and equality in the workplace,” stated Dr Cebekhulu-Makhaza.

“In her memory, as police, correctional, and traffic officers, we must also serve with dignity and to the best of our abilities wherever we are stationed, in the service of our people.”

As a trade union, POPCRU intends to confront the challenges of gender disparity within the criminal justice system and will continue to fight for equality and positive change for all during its deliberations at this week’s Congress, honouring the spirit and memory of Shuping. 

Over the coming days, POPCRU must further consider what lessons can be drawn from Shuping’s exemplary leadership and how best to carry her work forward, concluded Dr Cebekhulu-Makhaza.