Security firms drag Prasa to court
Companies refuse to work without pay
THE Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) faces a deepening crisis as some security companies safeguarding stations and trains are refusing to work without pay while others are seeking employment elsewhere.
The alleged non-payment from the parastatal has led Sechaba Protection Services, Chuma Security Services and Supreme Security Services, represented by Mark Hess Attorneys, to turn to the Western Cape High Court again, saying they are struggling to make ends meet during the lockdown.
More than R13 million is due to Sechaba, R9.5m to Chuma and R 9.2m to Supreme, they charged, saying inconsistencies with their salaries was not a new thing.
In March Judge Thandazwa Ndita ordered that Prasa pay the companies money it owed in 2019, after it attempted to dismiss the workers in November.
Mark Hess said due to Prasa failure to effect payment, his clients had been faced challenges, including employees absconding from work.
“Our clients have provided security services for February 1 to April 30 and have not to date received any payment or part-payment thereof. Reasons for employees absconding seem to vary from their inability to pay for transport to get to work to frustration with non-payment of their salaries,” said Hess.
He said employees had made threatening remarks to his clients, demanding their salaries.
“The unions representing workers are demanding that our clients take further action against Prasa. Employees are likely to embark on strike action and our clients will be forced to contemplate retrenching employees.”
Chuma Security Services chief executive Sithethi Ngcwangu said they had given Prasa until May 15 to pay outstanding amounts or even half of what they owed.
“The problem is Prasa doesn’t not say anything when they have missed the pay date. We have to write letters and emails they don’t even respond to. When employees want answers we look like fools or liars.
Prasa spokesperson Nana Zenani said: “Prasa made payments in March to Chuma and Sechaba security companies after receiving court orders.
“The rail agency is committed to settling its debts, especially to SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises), which are job creators. However, Prasa has always been transparent with its creditors and suppliers regarding its financial challenges. We continue to endeavour to settle outstanding debts to our service providers using the limited resources at our disposal.”