Twenty VIP Protection Officers are guarding senior Greater Tzaneen Municipality officials and politicians at a cost of over R 700 000 a month.

This despite the municipality paying over R 1 million a month to MBS to provide security services. The MBS contract to protect municipal employees and property ends in 2021. According to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), Ulwazi Security Group was appointed on September 16, to provide body guards for R716 858, 88 for a period of one month without following proper supply chain management processes.

“We ask ourselves whether risk assessment has been done by the South African Police Services and the report was submitted to the executive committee and the council of the municipality,” said SAMWU chairperson in Tzaneen, Moses Malatji.

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The Greater Tzaneen Municipality spokesperson, Neville Ndlala said the municipality has taken a decision to beef up security after a number of security breaches and threats.

“Council business has been violently interrupted on a number of occasions. These incidents include the physical threat to our employees and the disruption of municipal services,” said Ndlala. Ndlala said the latest incident of the disruption of council meeting happened on September 12 where the accounting officer, Thapelo Matlala was physically attacked in full view of security officers, the South African Police Service officers, and councillors.

He said the municipality’s internal security risk assessments has identified the need for improved security in the municipal offices in light of these incidents.

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“Services of Ulwazi Security Company has been contracted by the municipality to provide high risk security services. MBS, the current security company provides security services which include the protection of municipal property and access control. Ulwazi has been appointed for a month, however if the threat persist the municipality might extend their services,” said Ndlala.

He conceded that no tender was advertised to appoint the second security company but the municipality deviated from official procurement process due to the emergency of the situation.

“This was done because there was a threat of injury or death and the possibility of destruction of property. One of the protesters was even carrying a container filled with petrol. Our supply chain management policy allows the accounting officer to dispense of normal supply chain processes to procure goods or services through any convenient process which may include direct negotiation in respect of any contract relating to an emergency,” said Ndlala.

He added that the Greater Tzaneen Municipality values the safety of its employees, its councillors, and its customers.