Security personnel safeguarding critical water infrastructure in Riverside View say they have gone nearly four months without receiving their salaries, leaving workers and their families facing severe financial hardship.

Wonder Nkosi, who oversees security operations at a Johannesburg Water project site, described the growing crisis affecting guards employed through a subcontracting arrangement involving Komanani, a supplier operating under Johannesburg Water. According to Nkosi, workers have not been paid, despite continuing to provide security services at the facility.

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Nkosi said the security team is responsible for protecting important Johannesburg Water infrastructure. “This is a very important facility. There is electrical equipment here and infrastructure linked to water purification. We are here to make sure the site is protected because it can be dangerous, especially if members of the public or children enter the area.”

Nkosi said workers have repeatedly sought answers from management regarding the delayed salaries. They have allegedly been informed that Komanani is still waiting for funds to be released by Johannesburg Water. “We are told that Johannesburg Water has not released the money, and therefore Komanani cannot pay us. Every time we ask about payment, that is the response we receive.”

The situation has placed immense pressure on workers and their families. Nkosi said some employees are struggling to pay rent, while others are unable to support children who depend on them financially, including university students. “People are suffering. Some workers are being threatened with eviction because they cannot pay rent. Others have children in school and at university who depend on them. We have families to support, and without salaries we cannot meet our responsibilities.”

The security team consists of three guards, including day and night shift personnel and a relief officer. Nkosi said workers received only a partial payment several months ago after the owner of Komanani allegedly borrowed money to assist them. “Since then, we have not received anything.”

The prolonged delays have also created tensions in the workplace, with workers growing increasingly frustrated over the lack of communication and payment. “There is now conflict between me and the employees because everyone is desperate. The non-payment has created serious problems.”

Community frustration over the issue has reportedly escalated, with residents allegedly shutting down activities at the site in protest against the unpaid wages.

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Nkosi is now calling on Johannesburg Water and all parties involved in the contract to urgently intervene. “We are asking Johannesburg Water to come forward and resolve this issue. The problem should not be allowed to continue. We need answers, and workers need to be paid for the work they have already done.”

He added that payment challenges have existed since the project began and that the current situation is not the first time workers have experienced delays. “From the beginning, payment has always been a challenge, but now it has reached a point where people cannot survive. We simply want the matter resolved and for workers to receive the money they have earned.”

Johannesburg Water was contacted for comment on June 18. An update will be provided when the responses are received.

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