Update

GEORGE NEWS - The George Municipal Council has rejected a motion tabled by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to have security guards insourced and permanently employed by the council. 

The motion followed after several protests by security guards in George that were seeking to be directly employed by the municipality as opposed to working for companies that are contracted by the municipality.

The motion was tabled and debated in the council chambers on Thursday 3 October. For the motion to be considered, a majority vote was needed. However, it fell slightly short in support.

Tabling the motion, EFF Councillor Vuyolwethu Kama said security guards that are employed by private companies are not treated fairly in terms of labour laws. "Private companies are not complying with labour Acts. We received a lot of complaints such as racism, fraud, nepotism and provided funds not being deducted," said Kama.

He said these companies are rendering services for the municipality but they are not practising labour laws. "We urge the council to overlook [sic] the contracts of these companies and terminate them, and no company should be employed by the municipality," said Kama.

The motion was supported by 23 opposition party members while 25 members of the ruling party voted against it.

Municipal spokesperson Chantel Edward-Klose said a meeting was held with service providers and some of the employees on the day after the motion was tabled, and a follow-up meeting will be held at a later date.

"It must be noted that this is a private matter between employer and employees and as such George Municipality cannot intervene, but will continue to facilitate towards a solution," said Edwards-Klose.

Read a previous article: Security workers want to work for Municipality

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