Pensioners security at risk over non-payments
Security guards at Ka Lethabo Protection Services are frustrated that their payments have not come through, while the residents at Eeufees Oord Retirement Village are concerned for their safety.
Security has been at an all time low with Ka Lethabo Protection Services not on site at the Eeufees Oord Retirement Village, home to pensioners whose safety is now at risk.
Resident Denesse Davids spoke out on the matter. “The security here comes and goes as they please, not following the roster. Sometimes there is absolutely no one on duty.
“The reason for no security detail is because of staggered payments. They do not get paid on time, to the point of where they do not have food to put on the table for their families.”
Read more: Eeufees Retirement Village residents struggle ongoing nightmare
According to her, this is not a new issue, it is a recurring problem that the guards have to deal with. “They have not been paid for the month of April, and how long next month, will it happen again?”
Davids voiced that she has been in contact with the manager of the security guards on the late payments, but is often met with no reply, which causes frustration for the guards.
Security guards at the retirement village highlighted how their daily lives are affected by this issue:
• Vusi Musi Nxomalo, who is the only breadwinner in his family, said that he struggles to pay rent due to his late payment. “I am the head of the family who pays rent, buys food, sends the kids to school. How must I explain to my kids and their mother why I cannot provide? And it is all because of no payments.”
• Bonginkosi Makhoba voiced that he is the only one supporting his family. “We are always facing consistent delays in our payment. I have bills to pay and my landlord is becoming more frustrated.”
• Vusi Manyoni, who is a father of eight, delved into his own struggles, as he has to take two taxi’s just for work, with no money to sustain his life.
• Siphesihle Mthembu expressed thoughts of helplessness as he waits for clarity on their future payments.
Also read: Celebrating the month of love with Eeufees Oord Retirement Village
Manager at Ka Lethabo Dan Dlamini stated that they’re dealing with purchase orders regarding the payment process. “A purchase order is important because we can generate an invoice for it. When there is a purchase order, you submit the invoice then we get the funds and allocate payments. However, if there is a delay in that process, it affects the payflow.”
Dlamini assured that they had a meeting with City of Johannesburg regarding the allocation of payment, stating that they now have funds available. “Our guards will receive double payment, seeing as they have not been paid for the month of April and this month.”
Still awaiting their payments, the guards’ daily lives hang in the balance. Will they be able to provide for their families, and keep their households afloat during this stressful time? Only time will tell.
The Northcliff Melville Times approached the Department of Social Development for comment, however none was forthcoming by time of publishing.
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