Do car guards really serve a purpose?
Krugersdorp has mixed feelings when it comes to car guards.
Wearing yellow bibs, pointing drivers to open parking bays and keeping an eye on your car – yes, that is typically what a car guard does.
These self-employed individuals often expect a small fee for assisting shoppers.
South Africa carries a high burden of vehicle-related crime and car guards have over the past two decades become an integral part of crime-fighting in South Africa. But lately some car guards are struggling to survive financially because of the daily levies payable to car guard agencies and the managers of shopping centres, and many often resort to a form of harassment. They work in harsh conditions and are on their feet for most of the day in hot and cold weather conditions.
The News recently conducted a poll on Facebook asking readers how they feel about the local car guards in and around Krugersdorp. The following question was asked: Do you feel that car guards serve a purpose at shopping centres? One of the following answers could be selected by our over 26 000 Facebook followers:
• Yes – they are a vital part of the shopping centre’s security
• No – they are a nuisance by trying to be glorified speed cops
• I don’t know because I do not take them into consideration at all
The response was overwhelming and many readers gave different comments, but the 113 comments show there is still a bit of confusion as to how people feel about car guards. Most of the readers felt they are a nuisance while others felt strongly that they play a vital part in the community.
“I have a security system and parking censors on my car. I can push my own trolley and load my own shopping. They serve no purpose,” Rensche Roelofsz said.
“Yes, they do … my car was stolen as there was no security,” Noreen la Grange said.
Some readers felt that not all car guards are the same and that some shopping centres have the most wonderful guards. President Square was one of the shopping centres praised for their excellent car guards.
According to Key West Shopping Centre’s management, their car guards are their own entrepreneurs. Should a person be interested in becoming a Car Park Assistant, he/ she can report to Fidelity Security Services. Car Park Assistants need to be Safety and Security, Sector Education & Training Authority (SASSETA) Certified and a background check will be conducted by Fidelity. Car Park Assistants must pay a daily parking bay line fee which includes their uniform and equipment.
A car guard is not trained to police but to observe and report any suspicious behaviour. They are provided with in-house training and rely on tips as their source of income – and the tip is completely dependent on the motorists and their financial means.
President Square told the News that their car guards love what they do and are very humble. The centre provides them with umbrellas on rainy days and they treat their guards well.
Emmanuel Mutombo is known as the best car guard in Krugersdorp. People always give him compliments and he is always friendly.
“I love what I do and the people are very friendly towards me,” said Emmanuel.
The News invites readers to share their thoughts with us. Leave your comment on how you feel about car guards in the box provided below.
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