Security company blocks access to Gibela’s Dunnottar site
Gibela has confirmed that employees from an East Rand security company have been demonstrating at the entrance of its manufacturing site in Dunnottar, preventing access to the site by contractors and employees for the past two days.
According to Pamella Radebe, Gibela’s communications director, the company is demanding to be employed as security for the construction site.
“Security services are currently provided by a level two B-BBEE company, which is also 10% black-women owner, in Benoni.
“Gibela is in the process of obtaining an urgent interdict to issue to the demonstrating company to get the matter resolved so that construction activities can be resumed.
“The safety and security of our employees and contractors on site is currently our number one priority.
“We are taking the necessary legal steps to ensure the security company is no longer able to trespass on our property,” she says.
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Events leading up to this disruption on site began in December during the builder’s holiday, when the security company illegally set up occupancy at the perimeter of the manufacturing site.”
Radebe says Gibela and its advisers had previously met with the security company to receive their demands regarding security management.
After a number of engagements to outline Gibela’s procurement processes for potential service providers, the security company indicated it would proceed with deploying its security guards on site.
“Gibela reiterated that there is no contract nor a need for additional security services and both parties agreed to find further solutions,” says Radebe.
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However, on December 15, the security company deployed guards within Gibela’s property and erected a shelter for its guards.
Gibela recently received an invoice from the security company for these uncontracted services, but it was rejected by Gibela.
“We will continue to engage with our legal counsel, community members and other stakeholders to resolve this matter and to prevent further disruption on site,” adds Radebe.
