Maspala workers want their zaka

CITY Parks security guards picketed outside the offices of their employer in Braamfontein on Wednesday, 6 March.

They claimed they are owed money from 2022 equaling 19 months.

On Wednesday, the group blocked De Korte Street with bricks and rocks.

Employee Sam Radebe, who spoke on behalf of the group, told Daily Sun they were promised that their money would be paid since October, but they hear new stories every month.

“We used to work 21 days and we were doing five days overtime then they stopped us, saying we were working too many hours a month. They then promised to back pay us. They later paid us, but the money wasn't enough.

City Park’s security guards picketed over unpaid overtime. Photo by Sylvester Sibiya

"So, when we kept inquiring about our money, they said they wouldn't pay us anymore. We then planned to go to CCMA. They then called the union for a meeting. The agreement was they were still counting how much they owe us and will pay, but nothing has happened yet,” he said.

Sam said they want to know when they will be paid their money because in February, their bosses said they'll pay them in March.

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"But they're telling us they are not done calculating our money. We want to know what's stopping our money because they said they were supposed to see the books on 26 February and sign them before they pay us. We went there, but we didn't get answers,” he said.

City Park’s security guards want their employer to pay them. Photo by Sylvester Sibiya

City of Joburg spokesman Nthatis Modingoane said they were assessing the old register to make the final payment. But he could not state when they would be paid.

“Joburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has endeavoured where information was supported to pay the overtime for that period and is currently assessing old registers to process further payments. It's unfortunately a lengthy process and there has been a change in guard of key representatives negotiating with management. JCPZ has committed in principle to making payment,” said Modingoane.

Daily Sun previously reported that other security guards under Joburg Metro police were gathered at Library Gardens complaining about exploitation, poor working conditions, intimidation and being undermined by senior executives. They planned to march to the city manager.