POLOKWANE – A group of security officers under the Sekhukhune Security Crisis and Demand Forum marched from SABC Park to the Department of Health on Tuesday to hand over a memorandum of demands.

Forum leaders said the protest aimed to highlight “poor working conditions and ongoing labour law violations”, linked to security contracts at health facilities.

Among their key demands is the implementation of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act, which protects workers when contracts are transferred between employers.

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Security officers argue that when new contractors take over, they are required to reapply for their positions, resulting in the loss of accumulated years of service and interruptions in employment.

The memorandum also raises concerns about late or non-payment of salaries, lack of payment for Sundays and public holidays worked, and the absence of annual leave and other employment benefits.

The forum is calling for a minimum monthly salary of R10 000 and greater transparency in the structuring and awarding of security service contracts.

Upon arrival at the department, deputy director-general Matome Mawasha received the memorandum and is expected to provide a written response within seven working days.

The forum stressed that security officers play a vital role in safeguarding public health facilities and said their contribution should be matched by fair labour practices.

“Should there be no written response within seven working days of receipt of this memorandum, we are fully prepared to approach the Labour Court on an urgent basis for declaratory and interdictory relief,” said forum spokesperson Philemon Mamosadi.