30 Jan 2014

Chobe District commissioner, Dr Temba Mmusi has called managers and representatives of security companies in Chobe to order following a litany of complaints against the companies.

The DCs office had been besieged by complaints over late payments, sexual harassment and unexplained summary dismissals, among other issues.

Dr Mmusi warned the wanton disregard for the rights of security guards by the companies had resulted in many cases being brought to his office, but also to the labour department and before magistrates’ courts. He said such treatment could only impoverish the guards and strip them of their dignity.

He explained that by constantly dismissing employees, the responsible companies were reversing government efforts at eradicating poverty because they were stripping employees of their livelihoods.

“In some cases male employers make advances on their junior female counterparts and then get them fired when their requests are unsuccessful,” he said. He warned that he would not entertain such behavior.

For their part, managers at the security companies in attendance said that most of their employees broke company and labour laws then rush to the DC’s office or Labour department to report their one side of the story.

“Security guards come to work drunk, they fail to take down flags, and often miss duty without explanation,” said Mr Mpho Clifford of Regiment 63 security. He added that a lot of them had a tendency to disappearing after pay days and only come back when broke.

Ms Masego Makgana of Savuti Security explained that late payments of guards often had a lot to do with the guards themselves as they absconded from work with the result that clients were forced to re-calculate and deduct payment for the days the guards did not report for duty. 

“Some double as temporary employees during the day and guards by night. When do they rest? It is no wonder they sleep on duty,” she added. Women, she said were better and often took their job seriously.

Noko’s Express security owner, Ms Edith Maphosa said that she did not entertain any employee who came to work drunk. However, regarding late payments, she said she normally consulted the employees if it appeared like she might pay them late.

“I normally update them and speak with their landlords to explain the situation,” she said. The DC commended those managers who kept their officers updated and also encouraged security companies to give back to the community of Chobe.  ends