By Charmaine Ndlela
The mayor of Ekurhuleni Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has announced the approval of nearly 600 jobs as part of the city’s insourcing plan, marking what he described as a “new era” for service delivery.
Speaking at the State of the City Address (SOCA) in Germiston on Wednesday, Xhakaza confirmed the creation of 199 cleaning and supervisory posts, along with 394 security personnel positions, aimed at strengthening the municipality’s internal capacity.
He said the move would reduce reliance on private contractors while improving service delivery and creating employment opportunities.
“We want to report that, just in the area of security, the item being tabled will result in savings. About 394 security guard positions will be filled within the city as a start, so that we cut down on contracted private security services,” said Xhakaza.
“We will reduce outsourcing, employ more people, and build the necessary internal capacity. This is not just about the 394 security guards — it also includes supervisors in selected areas, and we will implement this incrementally over time.”
He added that priority would be given to workers already operating within municipal facilities.
“This project will ensure that we target those who have already been working in this environment first. Those working in various centres must be given an opportunity,” he said.
The decision has been welcomed by both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA.
The EFF in Gauteng described the move as a “historic victory,” noting that it stems from a motion the party tabled on 8 January 2022, which was initially rejected by the ANC.
“The approval of insourcing cleaning and security services reaffirms our unwavering commitment to restoring dignity, job security, and fair treatment for municipal workers,” the party said in a statement.
ActionSA also welcomed the development but raised concerns over what it called unfulfilled commitments made during the mayor’s 2024 State of the City Address.
The party pointed out that a previous promise to insource 290 security guards and 700 cleaners had not been met.
It further criticised significant budget cuts, saying funding for security had been reduced from R140,192,860 to R70,096,430, while the cleaning budget dropped from R113,315,801 to R56,657,900 — both representing a 50% reduction.
“Not only has the administration failed to deliver on its earlier commitments, but it has also slashed critical budgets, betraying the city’s workforce and residents,” the statement reads.
Despite these concerns, ActionSA acknowledged the progress.
“We view this as a hard-won victory, a testament to persistent advocacy. The implementation of this resolution will showcase the benefits of insourcing and pave the way for further reforms under an ActionSA-led administration,” said the party’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo.
INSIDE METROS