This past weekend, Xiluva leader Bongani Baloyi took time to engage disgruntled security guards who have resorted to extreme measures of stripping naked to have their concerns addressed by those in positions of power.
Last week, a large group of security guards stationed outside the Gauteng Department of Health in Joburg CBD demonstrating for permanent job opportunities, got naked in full view of the public.
Baloyi said their actions shed light on the challenges faced by security guards in precarious employment situations and highlight the need for policies that support fair and sustainable employment practices within the security industry.
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“Xiluva strongly believes in the insourcing of security guards by all state departments, to revive their dignity and recognize their valuable contributions to society.
“This way we will address issues of job insecurity and precarious employment faced by security guards, highlighting the need to treat these workers with respect and provide them with stable and dignified work conditions,” Baloyi said.
According to Andries Potsane, secretary general of the South African Cleaners Security and Allied Workers Union (Sacsaawu), the protest was based on the exploitation of security workers and continual abuse by the service providers.
Potsane alleged that after working for Security Service Providers since 2024, these security officers were fired without cause and left without a job.
He said the Department failed to control these service providers, and that is why as a union they decided to instruct their members to strike for insourcing.
Insourcing security guards by all state departments aligns with principles of fairness and equity, Baloyi reiterated.
“By ensuring stable and dignified work conditions for security guards, we will address issues of job insecurity and precarious employment, ultimately creating a more just and inclusive society where the contributions of all individuals are valued and respected,” he said.