Contract workers demand permanent employment from CoE
Workers gathered outside the Ekurhuleni council chambers last week Thursday demanding permanent employment in the city and answers on when the insourcing process will start.
The ongoing struggle of security guards and cleaners in Ekurhuleni seeking permanent employment continues, with workers’ patience wearing thin.
Last October, the Ekurhuleni council adopted a motion to directly insource thousands of these workers, transitioning them into the city’s personnel over several years.
Currently, the city outsources security services through over 100 contracts, which incurs significant costs.
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ActionSA mobilised workers to demand answers from the council about the start date for the insourcing process.
“We know treasury has made funds available to the city and we need the mayor to give dates when the insourcing will start,“ said Siyanda Makhubo, Ekurhuleni caucus leader.
Last Thursday, workers gathered outside the Ekurhuleni council chambers, demanding permanent employment and clarity on the insourcing timeline.
Fihliwe Nkosi, a security guard, expressed frustration with her contract worker status since 2018.
“We are tired of being contract workers. We want to be employees of the city and have benefits because our current situation is not sustainable,” said Nkosi.
She highlighted payment delays, stating, “We are supposed to be paid on the 15th, but sometimes we get paid on the 25th. This inconsistency leads to debt because we need to pay rent and cannot plan our finances.”
Other workers echoed similar concerns.
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Mthokozisi Zondo, another worker, noted the lack of retirement benefits and the impact on their families.
“We have children, and we worry about our future. The city needs to hire us permanently,” said Zondo.
Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza addressed the workers, assuring them that discussions with worker leadership are ongoing.
“This issue is not new. We are aware of it and are actively working on it. The insourcing will happen gradually, not all at once, as we need to finalise the funding strategy,” Xhakaza explained.
He urged workers to be patient, as the city needs to manage existing contracts with service providers and prepare for the gradual insourcing process.
