CHDM Insources Security Guards in Six-Month Pilot

Chris Hani District Municipality has launched a six-month pilot programme to insource security personnel following the expiry of contracts with private security companies.

The programme was officially launched by CHDM Executive Mayor Councillor Lusanda Sizani at Skweyiya Hall in Mlungisi, Komani, on Friday, July 31.

According to the municipality, the initiative is aimed at creating a safer working environment while improving operational control, service quality and staff loyalty.

The municipality said insourcing would also help ensure a smooth transition and stability following the expiry of the previous security contracts.

Security personnel recruited through the programme have signed six-month contracts while the municipality assesses the effectiveness of the initiative.

CHDM said permanent employment could be considered after the pilot period, once challenges, gaps and areas requiring improvement have been identified.

The security personnel will be deployed across local municipalities within the Chris Hani District to protect municipal assets and service-delivery infrastructure.

The municipality believes the programme will also contribute towards reducing unemployment by recruiting locally based security personnel from across the district.

Speaking during the launch, Sizani said directly employed workers were more likely to develop a stronger connection with the municipality and its overall mission.

“The direct employees feel a stronger connection to the institution and care more about its overall mission. Workers enjoy stable direct employment, fair salaries or wages and standard benefits,” Sizani said.

“Long-term guards learn the daily routines, staff members and regular visitors, making it easier to spot unusual behaviour.”

CHDM said the insourcing programme would complement its existing efforts to combat vandalism and the destruction of service-delivery infrastructure throughout the district.

The municipality will evaluate the programme over the next six months before deciding whether the security personnel should be employed.