KDM lifeguards safeguarded

Twenty-seven lifeguards working on beaches between Zinkwazi and Salmon Bay have been granted permanent employment status at a council meeting for the first time after a five year petition for the contracts.

Bongani Xulu, KDM lifeguard supervisor said that he cannot share details of the new terms of employment as the process of finalising contracts is still underway, but is very happy with the amendment to his team’s work status.

The lifeguards will soon be on duty full-time, working every day, and for the first time in years will soon have access to monthly pensions.

“Five years ago, KwaDukuza was the only municipality who hired a private company to run the lifeguard service,” said Xulu, with Ethekwini Municipality already employing lifeguards full-time on beaches such as the ones in Umdloti and Umhlanga.

“Only in 2011 was the decision taken to run the service in-house, but only on a part-time and volunteering basis.”

The move to permanent employment for the lifeguards is one they are content with as it increases their job security, said Xulu.

“We are looking to take the best lifeguards out there and in years to come, we are looking to expand our hours during summer season”.

“I support the move 100%,” said Ballito councillor Colin Marsh, who collaborated with the municipal services portfolio to secure the contracts in-house for the 27 lifeguards.