In the security industry, learner ship programs are often
heralded as a gateway to employment, offering aspiring guards a chance to gain
valuable skills and experience. However, behind the façade of training and
development, a troubling pattern of exploitation emerges, particularly evident
in the practices of companies like Noordvaal Security Services. This post aims
to shed light on the harsh realities faced by security guards under these
programs and calls for urgent action to protect their rights.
The Learner ship Program: Intended vs. Reality
Learner ship programs are designed to facilitate skills development, bridging the gap between education and employment. They promise structured training, mentorship, and a pathway to stable employment. However, for many security guards at Noordvaal Security Services, the reality starkly contrasts with these noble intentions. Guards report working long hours—often from six in the morning until six at night—without the supervision mandated by the very learner ship programs they are part of.
This lack of oversight not only undermines the educational goals of the program but also places guards in precarious positions, where they are vulnerable to exploitation. According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), all employees are entitled to fair working conditions, including proper supervision and reasonable working hours.
Stories from the Front-line
The experiences of security guards reveal a grim picture of their working conditions. One guard, who has worked at Noordvaal for over four years, described the emotional toll of being denied leave to attend a family funeral. “I felt trapped,” he recounted. “Taking time off to bury a loved one should never result in a penalty. It’s inhumane.” This sentiment echoes among many who face disciplinary actions for seeking time off for personal matters, a direct violation of the Labour Relations Act (LRA), which protects employees' rights to leave.
Moreover, guards working night shifts or on public holidays find themselves without any allowances, further exacerbating their financial struggles. The absence of annual leave or other basic benefits creates an environment where guards feel undervalued and exploited, violating their rights under the BCEA. Adding to their plight, many guards report that the company retains their original certificates of qualifications, preventing them from seeking other employment opportunities. They are only returned their certificates at the end of their contract or upon resignation, effectively binding them to the company and stifling their career advancement.
The Response from Authorities
Despite the grievances raised by guards, attempts to seek assistance have often met with frustration. Many have turned to the bargaining council, only to be met with refusal for help, even after consistently contributing to the council's funds. This abandonment is particularly disheartening for guards who believed their dues would provide them with support in times of need.
In a bid to find justice, many guards approached the Department of Labour, where their cases remain under arbitration. Although inspectors from PSIRA have visited Noordvaal Security Services, meaningful change has yet to materialize. This lack of accountability highlights a systemic issue within the industry, where regulations exist but are often unenforced.
The Aftermath: Consequences for Guards
Upon completing their learnership programs, guards face an
even bleaker reality. Many are terminated without any certification or
acknowledgment of their service. This lack of recognition not only deprives
them of tangible proof of their experience but also leaves them without a
safety net as they seek employment elsewhere. “We feel discarded,” another
guard expressed. “After years of hard work, we’re left with nothing.”
The combination of exploitation and neglect significantly impacts job security and future employment opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability within the workforce.
Recently, a struggle video featuring security guards discussing their experiences with the company was shared on TikTok, drawing significant attention to their plight. This viral moment has brought a broader audience to the issues surrounding learner ship programs, amplifying the voices of those who feel marginalized and ignored. you may watch the video below:
Call to Action
It is crucial for readers to understand the exploitation faced by security guards and to support their struggle for fair treatment. Here are some ways you can help:
Raise Awareness: Share this post and similar stories on
social media platforms to amplify the voices of those affected.
Contact Advocacy Groups: Reach out to organizations that
fight for workers' rights and encourage them to take action against companies
like Noordvaal Security Services.
Engage with Policymakers: Advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement of existing laws to protect workers in the security industry.
Together, we can work towards a future where security guards are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Conclusion
The exploitation of security guards under learner ship programs is a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. As we have seen, the promises of training and opportunity often dissolve into experiences of hardship and neglect. It is imperative that we call for systemic change within the security industry to ensure that no worker is left behind. By standing in solidarity with security guards, we can pave the way for a fairer and more just workplace for all.