By OBAKENG MAJE
It has been a six months rollercoaster for security guards at the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), which is a government entity in the North West. According to Mapula Mooketsi (49) who is a security guard at the Bucs Security Company, which is contracted to protect the NWDC buildings in Mahikeng in North West, they have down tools because they have not received their salaries for six months.
“This situation has affected our livelihoods. I have a child who has to walk a long distance to school because I do not have transport money. Sometimes she will stay at home and that affects her teaching and learning.
“How are we expected to make ends meet without getting salaries? Now, we have to rely on friends and relatives for survival as we could not even afford to buy food, stationery and school uniform,” she said.
Another unsatisfied employee, Xolisa Nano shared the same sentiments. Nano said their situation is dire and it has brought nothing but misery in their lives.
“My first born who attended Taletso TVET College doing her second year, is currently sitting at home because I could not pay for her registration fee. My second born is doing Grade 3 at Montshia and I have not bought her a new uniform and stationery.
“The worst part, I am renting here in Mahikeng and I only get financial assistance from one of my baby daddies who are also self-employed. How does the government entity say it does not have money to pay a security company? I’m sure they are not aware that this has affected so many lives,” said Nano.
However, the Bucs Security Company owner, Aobakwe Ntehelang has put the blame squarely on the NWDC. He said this non-payment has resulted in the company facing dire financial constraints.
“The company is not in a position to pay its employees their monthly salaries. Remember, I have a month-to-month contract with the NWDC and it has been challenging for me. My company is too small to experience this, but yes, it is true that it has been six months without being paid by the NWDC.
“The NWDC claims that it does not have money and it will pay within 90 days. It has also sent me a letter of termination of contract. So, this is my last month with them. However, I am planning to take the matter to court for arbitration to force them to pay me before 90 days.” he said.
Meanwhile, a social activist, Thato Molosankwe calls on the government to absorb all security guards working at various departments. Molosankwe alleged that many security companies contracted to the provincial government exploit their workers.
“There is an issue across the province where security guards are not paid on time. This has affected their livelihoods. Many security guards have families that they need to take care of, however, they continue to be exploited by these security companies.
“We urge the provincial government to in-source them and pay them directly. We tried engaging the NWDC on numerous occasions to address this matter, but the meetings were futile,” he said.
NWDC spokesperson, Annemarie Marx said: “The NWDC do not have any comment on the matters raised.”
The Guardian 