Concern over dealings ‘under the tree’
MATSAPHA Government is concerned about mushrooming security companies and that their offices are in ‘car boots’ and they get clearance and certificates ‘under the tree’.
This concern was raised by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, after paying a courtesy visit to three companies (textile and security) at Matsapha Industrial Site yesterday.
The minister said they have gathered that the security services industry was saturated by flyby night companies, whose offices were in ‘car boots’ and they win tenders with forged documents.
He said they have gathered that these companies use forged documents which include; labour compliance certificate, Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) tax compliance certificate and Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) compliance certificate, among others.
Preference
Again, he said another concern that was raised was that South African owned security companies were taking jobs from businesses which were owned by emaSwati, yet they believe that first preference should be given to the latter.
He said the non-compliant security companies were out-pricing those who were doing things by the book, when they bid for tenders. He said this was simply because they do not pay tax, ENPF and underpay its staff members.
The minister also said it was in this regard that they get so much complaints and witness strike actions in the security industry. He said the workers were employed by flyby night companies and were paid poor salaries.
Therefore, he said the courtesy visits were opening their eyes as a ministry. In that regard, he said they would continue carrying them out and work together with other relevant government departments to address the concerns.