The Tshwane metro recently announced its intention to insource 1 283 Asset Protectors, who currently safeguard property belonging to the municipality.

MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi said she’s pleased that this longstanding issue is progressing.

“The city recognises the invaluable contribution of Asset Protectors in safeguarding municipal infrastructure and personnel. This initiative is in line with our strategic priorities to drive professionalisation in the public service, strengthen financial management, and promote inclusive economic growth through dignified employment,” Morodi said.

The decision comes following a Council resolution in February 2021 that led to the absorption of 1 312 security guards as permanent Asset Protectors.

Morodi said the current multiparty administration has remained committed to the phased delivery of employment benefits for these employees.

The MMC added that while previous financial constraints delayed the implementation of the full collective agreement, the multiparty coalition government have since resolved to reinitiate the process.

“While the journey toward full implementation is ongoing, this step signals the city’s unwavering commitment to fairness, dignity, and progress for every employee who protects our assets and residents daily. The City of Tshwane remains focused on building a professional, accountable, and people-centred public service that delivers real and lasting change,” Morodi said.

A detailed report was presented to the Council on June 26, which outlined a multi-year roadmap to phase in key employment benefits, which Morodi describes as financially viable.

The proposal includes provisions for group scheme coverage, a 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, medical aid subsidies, and housing allowances – each introduced gradually to ensure fiscal sustainability and protect employee take-home pay.

Since the delays, the security guards have staged several protests throughout the years and held several engagements with metro officials and political parties over the ill-treatment that they believe they face from private companies.

The group of more than 2 000 guards and cleaners have been seeking to be insourced into the metro since 2018. The metro resolved then to employ the 4 000 guards directly, but to date, only phase 1, the employment of 1 302, has been completed. The project was then scrapped.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.