Struggling Chris Hani security guards working without pay since December

Scores of disgruntled security guards working for outside service providers contracted by the Chris Hani District Municipality claim theyhave not received salariessince December 2025. They said their bosses had informed them that their companies had not been paid by the Komani-based municipality which, in turn, left them withno money to pay staff. The four security companies, who could not be reached for comment by the time of publication on Wednesday, are reportedly contracted to safeguard municipal assets.

These include buildings, water schemes supplying water to rural areas, water treatment works and water reservoirs in several towns in the district including Komani. Our children do not understand when we say we are going to work every day and yet come pay day, we do not have a cent Thumeka Mankayi, who works for one of the private security firms in Komani, confirmed she and other guards in the company had last received their salaries in December. “It is really painful.

Our children do not understand when we say we are going to work every day and yet come pay day, we do not have a cent,” the mother of two said. “I cannot even pay for their basic schooling needs. We keep hoping [that we will get our money eventually].” A petition was handed over to the district municipality on December 11 2025 following a protest.

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In it, residents called on authorities to intervene in what they described as the exploitation, abuse and violation of basic labour rights of the guards and cleaners. “This exploitation is taking place under the watchful eye of government officials and politicians who were entrusted to uphold justice, protect workers and ensure compliance with the law.

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