ActionSA has expressed its approval of a “progressive” insourcing report adopted by Ekurhuleni’s Council, which will see scores of security personnel being insourced by the City over a multi-year transitional period.

They will also receive an increase to their remuneration and benefits.

ActionSA has levelled criticism at the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for being in favour of lucrative security tenders which cost the City R2-billion during the 2023/24 financial year. They allege that EFF Finance MMC Nkululeko Dunga oversaw the facilitation of 11 security tenders during this time.

The party has urged the City of Ekurhuleni to offer contracted workers the dignity of fair pay, stable employment and benefits, all available to employees of the City. 

“Currently, the City outsources its security and cleaning services through over 100 contracts with service providers, costing the City billions per annum. The City has paid, on average, R16 500 per security guard, whilst the guards themselves received as little as R4500 as a salary per month,” said ActionSA Ekurhuleni caucus leader Siyanda Makhubo.

ActionSA has recommended the tabling of a funding model before the March 2024 adjustment budget and despite the challenges facing this process, regard this as one of the City’s largest insourcing projects undertaken in the public sector.

“The report approved by Council today, will see the City undergoing an extensive process of ensuring the smooth integration of these security personnel into the City’s direct employment whilst guaranteeing the financial sustainability of the City. Due to the complexities of local government regulations and outstanding security contracts that were brought in by the ANC/EFF coalition, this process will be undertaken over a multi-year period,” said Makhubo.