A security cost analysis by eThekwini Municipality has revealed that Council could save more than R8 million by employing 96 in-house VIP Security Guards. With this in mind, the City has started a process of replacing outsourced security contracts with in-sourced staff.
Recently, the City was criticised for its high security bill and calls were made for security of councillors to be made an in-house responsibility to reduce costs.
In a media release, eThekwini Municipality has announced the process of engaging insourced security personnel will consider the proposals in the draft Military Veteran’s Policy as indicated by National Government.
The Military Veterans Act states that the benefits of military veterans and their dependants must be identified and, where possible, remedied.
The Military Veterans Act of 2011 further states the following:
(1) Any policy regarding the affairs of military veterans must be aimed at—
(a) recognising and honouring military veterans in life and remembering them in death for their sacrifices on behalf of the nation;
(b) ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for military veterans from active military service to civilian life;
(c) restoring the capability of military veterans with disabilities to the greatest extent possible;
(d) improving the quality of life of military veterans and of their dependants;
(e) providing a comprehensive delivery system of benefits and services for military veterans;
(f) ensuring that military veterans as a resource enhance the national work force and contribute to the prosperity and development of the country; and
(g) contributing toward reconciliation and nation building.
Currently the City is preparing the specifications for a new security tender as the 60 new former Military Veterans that have been engaged are insufficient.
The engagement process will follow the required security cluster processes including police clearance. This is being done prior to the employment of security personnel.
Further to this the Municipality is engaging with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority to guide it in cases where Military Veterans are found to have criminal records.
The in-house proposal will require a once off Capital funding of R1 372 000 for the purchase of 96 guns, 96 bullet proof vests and two vehicles.
The amount spent on security is justified as the services currently being provided by these security companies include:
•Providing security to Council property as the City owns assets worth billions of rands that need to be protected;
•Providing VIP protection to Councillors who receive threats to their lives. The decision to provide Councillors with security is not taken lightly but it is based on threat analysis reports from the SAPS, Crime Intelligence Unit and in some cases the National Intelligence Unit;
•Escorting Council employees such as those from the Electricity Unit, who work under compromising situations. They are often assigned to disconnect illegal connections and need to be provided with security to ensure their safety.
The security contracts worth approximately R500 million awarded in terms of Section 36 of the Supply-Chain Management Policy as tabled in the recent Executive Committee report was for a 14 month period which began in July 2014 and expired in September.
