ActionSA has urged all political parties in the eThekwini Council to support its motion for the insourcing of security personnel at the next Council meeting, set to take place on Tuesday, at the Durban International Convention Centre.

The party contends that the motion derives from its manifesto which proposes to rid government of the culture of outsourcing security guards and cleaners.

“This is an opportunity for all political parties to do the right thing and stop the exploitation of security personnel if they truly care for the well-being and the restoration of the dignity of our security guards, while saving large sums of money for the municipality which can be channelled towards better service delivery,” said ActionSA provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango.

ActionSA has levelled criticism at the city’s reliance on private security companies to safeguard municipal properties, entities and assets, and alluded to the high costs attributed with this endeavour.

The party has also highlighted the importance of security personnel receiving more favourable employment terms.

“On many occasions we have seen security personnel downing their tools due to the ongoing practice of exploitation in this field of work, many going months without receiving their salaries, as we have previously seen at the R.K. Khan Hospital in eThekwini, and at the General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital in Stanger. However, such issues will and can be eradicated should the government take a bold step and begin the process of removing the middlemen – security companies – and insource security guards, which will eliminate the need to strike for better wages, Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits, and medical aid cover,” said Mncwango.