Labour Court Slams MK Party Over Role in Unlawful Boomerang Fruits Strike

Judge says MKP publicly supported illegal action while claiming to ‘advise’ workers

The Cape Town Labour Court has issued a strongly worded interdict against the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), ordering it to immediately cease participation in an unlawful strike against Boomerang Fruits, a major fruit packing operation in the Western Cape.

This comes after the company sought urgent relief against what it described as threats, intimidation, and disruption following a dispute over overtime wages that spiralled into a wildcat strike and social media campaign against its management.

The wage dispute that sparked a walkout

On April 25, 2025, a payroll error led to 35 workers at Boomerang’s Elgin packhouse receiving incorrect overtime payments, short by just R120 to R176 per person. The error was quickly identified, and management addressed it that same evening.

Despite this, the next morning, not a single employee arrived at work. Transport arranged to collect them was allegedly blocked by other workers, and a picket emerged outside the facility. Rumours swirled that the MK Party was now involved, amplifying the dispute.

MKP denies involvement, but judge isn’t buying it

The MKP claimed that its councillor, Gana, merely advised concerned community members to follow legal steps after being approached about the wage issue. The party also insisted that its labour desk is not a trade union and that it had no hand in organising the picket.

But Judge R Lagrange disagreed.

In his ruling, the judge said the MKP’s actions went beyond mere advice. Despite claims of neutrality, the party had actively represented the strikers, publicly criticised Boomerang, and spread inflammatory posts online.

“The MKP’s conduct once the unprotected strike was under way entailed supporting and representing the strikers in pursuit of their demands, and aggressively and publicly denigrating Boomerang and its management,” Lagrange said.

Social media stirs the pot

On April 29, even after Boomerang had resolved the payment issue and informed workers via WhatsApp to return, the MK Party posted on social media accusing the company of abusing workers, forcing them to drink from toilets, and exploiting staff.

The company denied the claims and stated that these posts fanned the flames, keeping workers away despite the problem being resolved.

MKP hit with legal costs

In addition to the interdict, the court ordered the MK Party to pay half of Boomerang’s legal costs, dealing a financial blow and reinforcing that political parties cannot promote unprotected labour action under the guise of community support.

The party’s claim that it was merely a “community labour resource” was rejected, especially after its labour desk allegedly acted as a representative for the workers without legal authority to do so.

Wider implications for political parties and labour action

This case shines a light on a growing grey area in South African labour disputes—where political parties step into the space traditionally reserved for unions. The Labour Court’s decision sends a clear message: you can’t play both sides. If you support workers in a strike, you’re legally accountable for that role.

Boomerang Fruits, for its part, has resumed normal operations but says it will remain vigilant.

“We believe in fair wages and proper procedures. What we don’t accept is misinformation and intimidation,” said a company spokesperson.

Strikes must follow the law

As tensions between grassroots politics and labour rights continue to surface, the Boomerang Fruits case may set a precedent for future disputes. Judge Lagrange’s ruling reinforces a crucial point: if you want to represent workers, you must also respect the law.

And for businesses navigating tense labour climates, it’s a reminder that resolving payment disputes isn’t enough, controlling the narrative matters too.

{Source: IOL}

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