EFF demands action from Tshwane City Manager over security guard insourcing
City Manager Johann Mettler has been accused of undermining a council resolution to insource security guards.
Image: File
Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler has come under fire from the EFF for allegedly undermining a 2019 council resolution to insource security guards.
The party accused Mettler of introducing bureaucratic obstacles, citing a recent memorandum by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) requiring security guards to reapply for positions.
The memorandum was issued following the recent advertisement of 200 metro police positions by the municipality.
Party leader Obakeng Ramabodu said the EFF deems this process unnecessary, particularly since contract security guards were previously promised permanent positions.
The party demanded that Mettler immediately scrap the re-application requirements for workers already on the insourcing list and urgently process the intake of remaining security guards.
Ramabodu called on Mettler to adhere fully with the council resolution and make a public commitment to finalise outstanding insourcing by the 2025/2026 financial year.
The EFF's demands, outlined in a letter to Mettler, accuse the city of showing contempt for workers, disregarding council decisions, and disrespecting the dignity of public servants subjected to exploitative conditions.
Ramabodu said: “The EFF Tshwane caucus demands a written response from the city manager within seven days, providing the full complement of the insourcing process — where it stands, how far it has progressed, and with full transparency and accountability. We will not tolerate games or vague statements.”
Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo did not specifically respond to the EFF’s accusations against Mettler.
Instead, he stated that the city has decided to develop its in-house capacity as part of a strategic plan to reduce its dependence on contracted services.
He said the decision forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and ensure greater control over critical functions.
“By investing in internal resources, the city seeks to enhance its ability to respond swiftly to community needs and maintain consistent standards of work without the limitations often associated with outsourced arrangements,” he said.
According to Mashigo, the city’s approach is expected to yield long-term benefits, including cost savings, skills development, and improved institutional knowledge within the city’s workforce.
“By empowering its own teams with the necessary tools, training and expertise, the city will be better positioned to deliver sustainable solutions, maintain infrastructure effectively, and provide reliable services to residents. The move marks a decisive step towards self-reliance and resilience in municipal operations,” he said.
On Workers Day, the EFF and ActionSA met with security guards at Church Square in the Pretoria CBD, where they promised training to security guards who were previously hired without adequate training, as well as equipping them with the necessary tools.
Last month, the FF Plus called for an investigation into the qualifications of 1,283 security guards appointed in Tshwane in 2021, expressing concerns over their alleged lack of adequate training.
The party also suggested that instead of solely hiring more guards, the city should consider leveraging technology for specific security tasks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za