[LETTER] Ill-mannered guard at Kingsburgh Sizakala Centre

EDITOR – I like to give recognition when it is deserved but must also point out unacceptable behaviour by a public servant, as well.

My wife and I, who are retired, were met with an ill-mannered guard at the Sizakala Municipal Centre in Winklespruit on September 5. I’ve complimented the manager of this centre on a number of occasions for its high standards maintained in the bathroom, as well as the service by the tellers at the vehicle-renewal department and the staff at the rates department.

Some years ago, I wrote a letter of commendation to the mayor of eThekwini regarding the outstanding service provided by one of the municipal employees at this centre, and this employee received a Mayoral Award at the Annual Mayoral Excellence Awards and was given a bonus for her outstanding work attitude.

Once inside the building, you will find really good and efficient service. The problem is getting inside.

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There is a female guard at the entrance who indicates how many people can enter next. Suddenly, she came down to where we were standing and deliberately shouldered me out of the way, despite there being plenty of space to pass by.

Being a somewhat large and hefty woman, it was quite easy to bump an almost 70-year-old pensioner out of the way. I was shocked and grateful that I had shielded my wife, whose arm is in a sling, from this unacceptable behaviour.

This woman then started shouting in isiZulu, before telling us to ‘move, move, and move’. Those around us looked shocked at this woman’s unacceptable and unwarranted behaviour and expressed their displeasure to us.

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I reported the incident to the centre manager and her supervisor as she works for the security company that provides this service to the municipality.

I did not hear what was discussed, however, she came out of the manager’s office laughing as if the entire episode was a big joke to her. The supervisor then apologised on her behalf.

This person, unless her behaviour can be moderated, is not employable to do any job in the proximity of clients.

She was arrogant, inconsiderate and blatantly rude. I trust that someone higher up can take some action as her behaviour mars what is otherwise a pocket of excellence – the centre. As for the public, maintain a wide berth around this woman.

SJ BEKKER

Kingsburgh Sizakala Centre responds:

A centre supervisor, Sandile Dlamini, said he is aware of the complaint as the incident happened while he was in the office. “The matter has been escalated to security management for further engagement. The complainant will be briefed accordingly as to the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
In an attached email thread, there was a consensus that should such behaviour be confirmed, the removal of the security guard from the site will be facilitated.

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