Six security guards from Inqolonqolo Security Protection are demanding accountability for alleged unpaid wages and unfair dismissals. The workers, represented by BM Mazibuko Attorneys, claim the company owes them over R27,000. They have written to the company, citing contract irregularities and non-compliance with sector regulations. The guards are seeking resolution for the alleged wage theft and unfair treatment.
According to the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS), Inqolonqolo Security Protection owes R24,624 in direct salary shortfalls and unpaid Sunday work. This amount is expected to rise to R27,249 once statutory interest penalties are included. The council's audit records show the company owes R14,016 in basic salary underpayments and R9,583 in unpaid Sunday work compensation.
A representative from Inqolonqolo Security Protection, Mr Gule, refused to comment on the allegations and NBCPSS compliance order. When approached, Gule stated that the matter had nothing to do with the inquiry and claimed not to have received the questions. The council's records also reveal ongoing statutory violations dating back to February 2024, including unlawful salary deductions and unpaid overtime.
The NBCPSS has issued a formal compliance order detailing extensive contraventions of the security sector's main collective agreement. The employer's levy status is listed as "not registered" with the council. Calculations show total basic salary underpayments per guard ranging up to R2,828, plus interest penalties under the Labour Relations Act.
The initial legal letter revealed that guards working 12-hour shifts were paid an unlawful rate of R20 per hour. Based on a standard 22-day working month, guards were receiving about R5,280, missing out on mandatory night shift allowances, Sunday pay, and public holiday rates. Attorneys highlighted confusion regarding the company's identity, with payslips and salary references bouncing between two similarly named variations.
Workers expressed confusion after being told at UIF offices that they were not registered for the fund. Payslips provided confirm that no UIF contributions were deducted, reflecting R0.00 under UIF and PAYE with only a R6 PSIRA fee deducted. One worker claimed that management indicated six workers were owed a combined R26,000 but offered arbitrary settlement amounts.
The NBCPSS escalated the matter to arbitration in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, but settlement talks broke down. One guard claimed he was summarily dismissed after an allegation of stealing cement, which he denies. The worker stated that he was fired without a fair process or disciplinary hearing, negatively affecting his life and that of his four kids.
Key points
- Inqolonqolo Security Protection faces allegations of wage theft and unfair dismissals, with six guards claiming they are owed over R27,000 in unpaid wages.
- The National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector has issued a formal compliance order detailing extensive contraventions of the security sector's main collective agreement.
- The guards' situation has been escalated to arbitration, but settlement talks have broken down.
