Security workers protest after being ‘ousted’ from government jobs

SECURITY workers who were formerly employed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) intend to continue protesting outside the Metlife Towers building in Kimberley until they are permanently absorbed.

The workers expressed their anger over the termination of their contracts as of January 1.

“We are being forced to sit at home while we have no means of taking care of our children. Some of us have 15 years of service and have been left jobless,” they said.

They pointed out that an expectation was created when Premier Dr Zamani Saul announced the establishment of the Northern Cape Provincial Security Services in January 2024. They believed they would be employed by provincial government departments through the insourcing of security services.

“Instead of government fulfilling its commitment of creating a better life for all, we have been left worse off,” they added.

At the time, the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison had indicated that 124 security personnel from DEDAT, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital, and the Office of the Premier would be transferred to the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.

The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) Northern Cape treasurer, Tebogo Maarman, said that the contracts of 20 security workers at DEDAT and 14 workers at the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison had been terminated without severance packages.

“New workers were appointed even though they did not meet the requirements, at the expense of workers who have several years of experience. We are not aware of what criteria were used to hire or if proper recruitment and selection processes were followed.

“Many submitted their CVs but were never called in for an interview. We are also not aware of any needs analysis that was conducted, as there is a shortage of security personnel at this department,” said Maarman.

He added that around 100 workers had been absorbed by the department.

“A meeting has been planned with the head of security on Monday,” Maarman stated.

The head of communications at the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Rennie Andrias, said the department was insourcing security services for the Northern Cape provincial government in phases.

“Existing security personnel were first transferred to our department, followed by the advertisement of vacancies. Recruitment and selection processes were adhered to before appointments were made on December 1, 2024,” said Andrias.

He added that more vacancies would be advertised in the new 2025/26 financial year.

“The public, including personnel that worked under private security companies, are encouraged to apply and if they have the requisite skills and qualifications they will be considered for appointment.”

Andrias said they would continue to engage with organised labour as they were key stakeholders in this insourcing process.

The head of communications at DEDAT, Thandiwe Modibela, explained that the security contract was not renewed or advertised after the decision was taken by the provincial government to in-source security workers.

“The department’s security contract with Madiali Security came to an end on December 31, 2024. Security services will be transferred to the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison,” she said.

She added that the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison was currently busy with the recruitment of security officials who would be placed at departments.

“This process will be done in phases. The department did explain this process to the officials of Nupsaw,” Modibela said.

She also indicated that no departmental services had been disrupted since protest action commenced on Wednesday.

Head of communications at the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison Rennie Andrias said the department was insourcing security services for the Northern Cape provincial government in phases.

“Existing security personnel were firstly transferred to our department, followed by the advertisement of vacancies. Recruitment and selection processes were adhered to before appointments were made on December 1 2024.”

He added that more vacancies would be advertised in the new financial year 2025/26 financial year.

“The public including personnel that worked currently under private companies are encouraged to apply and if they have the requisite skills and qualifications they will be considered for appointment.”

Andrias said they would continue to engage with organised labour as they were key stakeholders in this insourcing process.