Security guards at Cape Town’s largest hospital picketed on Friday. Photo: Mary-Anne Gontsana
Mary-Anne Gontsana reports on GroundUp that security guards from Golden Security Services picketed outside Groote Schuur Hospital last Friday morning, demanding immediate payment of salaries.
- The guards have been on strike since Monday, accusing the company of not paying their wages on time.
- Golden Security Services did not confirm or deny late salary payments.
- About 80 guards began the protest at 5 am, refusing to work until paid.
- A guard claimed they faced “poor treatment and salary issues” since the company took over on July 1, with salary delays starting on July 15.
- Partial payments were made on July 29, but unexplained deductions were for items such as provident fund, PAYE, and insurance.
- On August 24, Golden Security Services apologized for the delays, citing “unforeseen circumstances,” and offered R500 compensation per employee.
- Operations manager Monde Maqula denied the guards’ allegations, stating everyone had been paid and dismissing further claims, but did not confirm whether payments were late.
- Maqula mentioned the company follows PSIRA guidelines for salary deductions.
- By 3pm on Friday, some guards received payments, but the strike continued until all guards were paid.
