During a recent council meeting of the Tshwane Metro Council, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) rejected a report that allocates R230 million over three years to provide benefits to over 1 000 contracted security guards.
The 1 283 guards were appointed in 2021 without benefits.
The Freedom Front Plus suggested to the Council that a thorough investigation be conducted to determine whether the guards meet the relevant requirements and to what extent technology could be used to perform certain tasks.
Several hidden costs related to basic equipment and training were excluded from the amount, indicating reckless financial planning.
The party seriously doubts whether the Metro’s budget can absorb the additional costs for security guards.
This report is part of the ActionSA/ANC/EFF coalition’s efforts to push through their policy for the general outsourcing of security and cleaning services.
The Freedom Front Plus is of the view that a targeted, strategic approach should be adopted when outsourcing, adding value for residents through cost-effective and quality service delivery.
Verantwoordelike besluitneming oor munisipale fondse is nie bloot ‘n wetlike vereiste nie, maar ‘n saak van uiterste belang. Sonder ʼn deeglike evaluering van die volle impak, kan geen sinvolle besluit geneem word nie en dit sal waarskynlik lei tot vrugtelose en vermorste besteding.
Several critical elements were entirely omitted from the report:
• A thorough security risk analysis to determine where technology and human resources are needed;
• A skills audit, essential to ensure personnel meet municipal standards and the requirements of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). It is unclear whether the 1 283 guards contracted in 2021 during the previous council term are registered with PSIRA, nor is it clear whether they meet the relevant qualification and competency requirements;
• A detailed budget that includes all obvious and hidden costs.
It is vital to consider all these factors before making a decision that could not only jeopardise the municipal budget, but also the security guards’ safety and the city’s assets in general.
The Freedom Front Plus remains committed to responsible and transparent decision-making that benefits all Tshwane Metro communities.
