Security officers employed by private companies within government departments and municipalities in Limpopo are voicing their frustrations over poor working conditions and inadequate pay.
On Friday, 15 November, the Sekhukhune Security Crisis and Demand Forum convened a mass meeting in Polokwane to address these pressing issues.
Spokesman for the forum, Alpha Senamela, highlighted the dire situation faced by security personnel.
“It’s disappointing that security officers still earn between R4,000 and R5,000 per month. Many are being retrenched while contracts are not renewed. We demand to be insourced and earn a minimum wage of R15,000,” he stated. The call for better wages reflects a broader discontent among workers who feel undervalued and overworked.
Senamela further emphasised the lack of support from private security companies, noting that many do not contribute to workers’ pension funds or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
“Some officers receive their salaries late, and many companies don’t comply with regulations,” he said. This has added to the anxiety and frustration experienced by workers in the sector.
The meeting served as a platform for security officers to express their grievances and discuss possible solutions. Many voiced concerns over their safety and the inadequate resources provided by their employers.
One 45-year-old security officer working at a local clinic shared his experience: “Every time our clinic is robbed, we are forced to replace the stolen items even though it wasn’t our fault. We are not safe; we even lock our guard room with shoelaces. Service providers must fall,” he lamented.
In response to the widespread discontent, the forum is planning a mass protest aimed at the provincial government, during which they intend to hand over a memorandum of demands. The push for insourcing reflects a growing sentiment that security officers deserve better treatment and job security.
Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA), pledged his support for the workers.
“This is not going to be an easy fight, but we will fight it. Service providers must fall because they pocket millions while workers suffer,” he declared.
Sebei underscored the ongoing struggles faced by security personnel, stating, “Without ending service providers, workers’ problems will not be solved.”
The Limpopo government has responded to these demands, with spokesman Ndavhe Ramakuela stating that there are currently no plans for insourcing.
“The provincial government is open to discussing such proposals. Ordinarily, a proposal would come through clusters comprising various departments and processed through the executive council,” he explained. This response has done little to quell the frustrations of the security officers, who feel that their voices are not being heard.
