Share

Protesting guards 'misled'

Durban - Security guards who went on the rampage over wages at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Monday were misled by disgruntled rival security companies which did not get the World Cup tender, their employer said.

"We strongly believe that they have been misled by security companies which did not get the tender," said Tebogo Lehlokoe of Stallion security.

Lehlokoe met with the disgruntled security guards at the stadium gates.

The talks ended when the police ordered them to disperse, telling them the gathering was illegal. They complied.

Lehlokoe said some security guards had apologised for what they had done and had pleaded with him to be allowed to continue to work.

It was sad that this decision did not lie with his company, he said.

"It’s up to the police to decide whether they want them in or not because they (security guards) are responsible for the security of the stadium."

Rights

However, other security guards were adamant that their concerns were valid and had to be addressed by their employer.

They claimed that Stallion security had failed to tell them how much they would earn.

"This strike could have been avoided a long time ago. We held meetings and we informed our bosses that we had concerns, but they ignored us," said a security guard who did not want to be named.

He would not apologise. He was fighting for his rights, he said.

He was shocked to learn of the huge disparities in the salaries earned by workers at the different games.

"They just look at you in your face and decide how much you will get. Some got R190 and some got R205. This was done because there was no agreement on the issue of salaries before we started."

Lehlokoe said the workers would be informed about the outcome of negotiations on their concerns.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE