Security guards strike over months of unpaid salaries

GEORGE NEWS – A group of security guards employed by a company with its head office in KwaZulu-Natal, contracted at George Hospital and several clinics across the George area, have gone on a strike due to alleged ongoing issues with non-payment, sporadic payment and short payment of salaries since November 2025.

The guards are currently striking outside George Hospital. According to the workers, their grievances have persisted for several months, with little resolution despite repeated assurances from management.

One of the guards, Bulelani Mkoko, said frustrations reached breaking point after yet another delayed payment at the end of April.

“They keep on extending the dates of our payments. On 22 April we received a letter stating they have technical difficulties and could pay us by 28 April. This morning [Friday 1 May], after we enquired about our salaries not reflecting, they sent us a message saying that due to the public holiday payments are difficult and they could only pay us on Monday.

“They also said that as per the department of labour, a company has seven days after the day of payment to pay salaries. What next? They are playing with our livelihoods. We also have bills to pay and food to buy,” he said.

Tensions escalated further this morning, with the guards indicating they will continue striking until they receive their outstanding wages in full.

Meanwhile, Nadia Ferreira, Eden and Central Karoo district spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health, said services at George Hospital have not been affected at this stage.

“Service delivery has not been affected as yet, and we are in the process of procuring additional security services when needed,” she said.

The situation remains tense as workers await payment, with uncertainty around whether the latest undertaking will be honoured.

George Herald reached out to the company in question for comment regarding the allegations and current situation. This article will be updated once a response is received.

Security guards Ayanda Bandaswell and Bulelani Mkoko.