Controversy over outsider security hires in Giyani clinics
Local security guards at Giyani health facilities lose jobs after new contractors are appointed, sparking concerns over fairness and local hiring.
LIMPOPO – A wave of discontent has swept through healthcare facilities in the province after the Department of Health introduced new security contractors, effectively pushing several local guards out of employment.
The changes, which took place between February 28 and March 1, saw many security guards at clinics and hospitals around Giyani and other areas in the province lose their jobs following the arrival of the new contractors.
The move has been described by some residents as unfair, as the new contractors allegedly brought in security guards from other districts while overlooking local workers, some of whom had been working at the facilities for years.
ActionSA questions fairness
ActionSA has also raised concerns about the matter, citing what it calls a lack of balance in the hiring process.
“What happened on February 28, where more than 50 security guards were hired around Giyani, yet only one or two of them appear to be local, was disappointing,” said ActionSA Cllr Ponani Makhubele.
“According to municipal bylaws, hiring priority in every municipality should be given to residents, especially for jobs that do not require specialised skills,” she said.
“Giyani has many healthcare centres and clinics.
“It is our view as a party that when the department awards security tenders to several companies, at least some of those companies should be from the Giyani area.
“If five companies are appointed, at least three should be from the Giyani area.
“It cannot be fair that all the security tenders are awarded to companies from outside this municipality while local people remain unemployed,” said Makhubele.
Health department responds
Health departmental spokesperson Neil Shikwambani told the Herald that the department does not interfere with employment decisions made by contractors after contracts are awarded.
“Employment matters relating to security personnel are governed primarily by labour legislation and sectoral determinations applicable to the private security industry.
“While the department procures security services from service providers, the security personnel are employees of the respective companies,” he explained.
Issues relating to the absorption or retention of staff during a change of service providers are therefore ordinarily managed between the outgoing and incoming companies within the framework of applicable labour laws and industry regulations.
He said, however, that the department remains committed to ensuring that security services at health facilities are delivered in a lawful, fair, and orderly manner while safeguarding uninterrupted access to healthcare services.
“Where concerns arise, the department engages with relevant stakeholders and service providers to ensure that the transition is managed in a responsible and orderly manner,” he said.
