Unpaid security guards plan picket at airports amid salary disputes
Image: File
Scores of security guards previously employed by Venus International Security to man some of the country's airports have threatened to picket at the affected airports after they were not paid their June salaries and severance packages by the security company, which was contracted by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA).
This comes as ACSA has denied that the long lines at some of its airports, including at the OR Tambo International Airport this week, were caused by the non-payment of security contractors.
It is reported that more than 200 former Venus International Security guards, who also now find themselves without jobs in Bloemfontein, Upington, and Kimberly, have also not been considered for the insourcing process currently undertaken by the airports company, leaving many of them disillusioned.
On Tuesday, passengers at OR Tambo International Airport faced significant delays reportedly due to what ACSA described as operational disruptions at airport security checkpoints.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
However, according to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), in the Northern Cape the failure by Venus to address the matter while removing its assets at four major airports, including the Kimberly, Upington, and Bloemfontein, while workers' salaries have not been paid is deeply concerning, which is why the union has written to ACSA to resolve the matter.
"It has come to our attention that Venus is busy removing all company belongings from all ACSA properties. The company is doing this firstly without making sure workers have been paid what is owed to them.
"As Numsa, we are going to take the following steps if monies are not released before the close of business. We are going to picket at all airports in Kimberly, Bloemfontein, and Upington. We will also urgently interdict everything, including Venus's bank accounts. ACSA is Cced above to rebut these claims," said Numsa regional representative, Elliot Mohatlhane, on Sunday.
Mohatlhane has also slammed Venus for its failure to pay workers what is due to them, saying:" If all our engagements with ACSA and Venus fail, we will be forced to picket at some of the airports as ACSA has also failed to insource our workers who are already familiar with the aviation industry," he said.
Machine Hlongwane and Hendrick Kekana, from Venus International Security, blamed ACSA for the non-payment of their workers following an unfulfilled promise by the airports company.
"Venus International is unable to pay salaries for June 2025. This is because ACSA had promised to pay Venus a specific settlement amount on 30 June 2025. We are still waiting for ACSA to make good on its promise. Whereafter, we will pass the amounts due to our former employees. We urge workers to be patient while we are still waiting for ACSA to keep the promise made to Venus," Kekana said.
A Venus employee, who did not want to be named, revealed that the alleged non-payment by ACSA has affected their livelihoods, adding that the insourcing of workers has not been fair, as most of them were not considered.
"We don't know where the problem lies because we, as Venus employees, were notified that the contract is coming to an end on the 30th of June 2025 between ACSA and Venus. We were supposed to receive our June salaries from our employer, but we don't know why at this stage we didn't get our salaries, and no one is talking to us about why we didn't get our salaries," he said.
With the termination of the Venus contract, ACSA said it considers the Venus matter closed as their agreement has come to an end, as the insourcing of employees gets under way.
"The operational challenges encountered on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, at OR Tambo International Airport are not related to the alleged non-payment of contractors by ACSA. Venus International is a recognised contractor with ACSA, with whom our contractual relationship ended on 30 June 2025.
"Annual increments that accrued to Venus International at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic were due to the service provider, and following extensive mediated talks, the two contracting parties settled. We now consider that matter closed as ACSA is implementing a new sourcing strategy at all ACSA Airports," the entity stated.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Kaizer Motaung honoured with second doctorate for his impact on society and sport
Kaizer Chiefs founder Kaizer Motaung received an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce from the University of the Witwatersrand in recognition of his role in football, youth development, and nation-building. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In a country where many are only truly honoured after death, the recognition of Kaizer Motaung while still alive is something to be celebrated. On Tuesday, the University of the Witwatersrand conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce upon the Kaizer Chiefs founder and owner. It marks the second such accolade for Motaung, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences by the University of Cape Town in 2022. This latest honour acknowledges 'Chincha Guluva's' immense role in uplifting disadvantaged youth, promoting social cohesion, and developing football as both a sport and a unifying force in South Africa. Wits University awarded an Honorary Doctorate to football legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Kaizer Motaung. In his address, he said: "My love for Wits runs deep. It is an honour to be recognised by this great institution, and I hope that my contributions to society have… — Wits University (@WitsUniversity) July 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking at the Wits Great Hall during the university's graduation ceremony, Motaung shared words of encouragement and wisdom with the Wits Class of 2025. 'Be pioneers in your own right, pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers. Use your talents and skills to make a positive impact on our society,' he said. 'Nelson Mandela taught us that education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world. I urge you to get involved in initiatives that promote sports development, education, and economic empowerment. Use your knowledge and skills to empower others and to create a brighter future for our country.' A lifelong team player, Motaung said the recognition was not only a tribute to his personal journey but also to the game that shaped his life. 'This honour is not just about me,' he said. 'It is a tribute to the beautiful game of football that has given me so much.' He also credited the club's supporters, acknowledging that Kaizer Chiefs' success would not have been possible without their unwavering loyalty and belief. Reflecting on his relationship with the university, Motaung revealed that his connection to Wits dates back to the apartheid era, forged on the football pitch. 'My love for Wits runs deep,' he said, alluding to past ties that transcended the sporting arena during a time of division and struggle.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Ramaphosa says GNU was formed to fix unemployment, crime, and corruption in SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa claims the GNU was created to fix urgent national issues. Image: GCIS, IOL Graphics President Cyril Ramaphosa claims the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed with challenges in mind, including unemployment, rampant crime, poverty, corruption, and restoring the trust of the people, despite the ANC having lost its majority in the May 2024 general elections. He made the remarks as he presented the Presidency's budget vote for the 2025–26 financial year at the National Assembly on Wednesday. 'Today, the world faces real and significant challenges, and so do we as a country and as a nation,' Ramaphosa told Parliament. 'We face an increasingly volatile world, with many disruptions to global trade, as well as deepening conflicts that are raging in many parts of the world.' Ramaphosa acknowledged high levels of unemployment and sluggish economic growth that have hindered job creation. 'We face the corrosive effects of corruption and pervasive crime, to which the poorest among us are most vulnerable,' he said. 'We also face the daunting task of building a capable state that can address these challenges and restore the trust of our people.' Ramaphosa claimed the GNU was established to place the country on firmer footing, promote economic growth, foster transformation, and maintain peace and prosperity. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'When we established the GNU, we understood we were embarking on a new era in our democracy,' he said. 'We understood it would be complex and involve navigating novel challenges.' However, is it widely known that the GNU was not born from a vision to address these challenges but rather from necessity, after the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure a majority in the May 2024 general elections - for the first time since the dawn of democracy in 1994. The coalition government at the national level, saw the ANC partnering with its former political rivals, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus. The GNU, which recently marked its first anniversary, has faced turbulence. Coalition partners have frequently clashed over policy and legislation. The DA has taken the Expropriation Without Compensation Act and the Employment Equity Amendment Act to court, opposing ANC-led initiatives. In April, the party successfully challenged the passing of a fiscal framework in Parliament, which had been pushed through with support from non-GNU parties such as ActionSA and Build One South Africa. The DA, the second-largest member of the GNU, has also failed in efforts to block the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act and the National Health Insurance Act. Despite these internal tensions, Ramaphosa emphasised the adoption of the Medium-Term Development Plan, outlining actions over the next five years to address national priorities. 'First, we aim to drive inclusive growth and job creation. Second, to tackle poverty and address the high cost of living. And third, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,' he said. He said all the government departments and entities are committed to implementing these priorities with urgency and purpose. 'Most importantly, there is a shared understanding that we need to rise above our differences and work together to make progress on the important challenges our country faces,' he said. Ramaphosa said the GNU approach emphasises national cohesion, partnership and unity. A national dialogue process will begin with a National Convention on August 15. 'The national dialogue is not just about talking,' Ramaphosa said. 'Like CODESA, the National Peace Accord, and the constitutional consultation process, this dialogue is expected to produce tangible results.' He said the dialogue aims to build consensus around a shared vision and social compact aligned with the National Development Plan. 'This does not displace our democratic processes, nor does it divert us from the electoral mandate of this Parliament,' he said. 'The government will continue to act to address immediate concerns - to grow the economy, create jobs, tackle corruption and crime, and improve local government.' The medium-term plan, he said, includes specific and measurable targets to help guide national progress. IOL Politics
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Forklift driver challenges dismissal after positive alcohol test from cough mixture
The Labour Court confirmed that a forklift driver who tested positive for alcohol due to a cough mixture should not be fired. Image: File A sip of cough mixture the previous evening and two spoons of the same mixture on the morning before he went to work, was the subject of a prolonged legal wrangle between a forklift driver and his company, after he was at first fired for testing positive for alcohol consumption. The worker, only identified as Mr Tsamse by the Johannesburg Labour Court, was fired by Chill Beverages International, which has a zero tolerance for alcohol intake while at work. The CCMA subsequently overturned his dismissal, but the beverages company now turned to the Labour Court to review the CCMA's finding. Tsamse was employed by the company in June 2017 and served as a warehouse controller at the time of his dismissal for alleged gross misconduct after failing a breathalyser test. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The beverage company manufactures and distributes various beverages, some containing alcohol. As a forklift driver, Tsamse had to transport raw materials, including bags weighing up to one ton of sugar or containers of up to 1,000 litres of liquid ingredients. The company argued that its zero tolerance policy prohibits employees from having any intoxicating substances in their bloodstream during working hours, and they are forbidden from using any alcohol during work or within six hours before the start of their shift. It said higher levels of alcohol would automatically lead to a disciplinary hearing and possible dismissal. On the day in question, Tsamse was an hour late for work and, as usual, he was subjected to a breathalyser test when he entered the factory. He tested positive and had to undergo the test several times. The company also used different devices to ensure that the initial device was not faulty. Tsamse was required to wait in the canteen, where he could eat and drink before being re-tested. He was tested again and failed once more. He submitted that he had used medication and was unaware that it contained alcohol. The CCMA commissioner who initially overturned his dismissal noted that he did not smell of alcohol and displayed no visible signs of being intoxicated. It was also noted that he was a first offender with six years of service at the time of his dismissal. Tsamse maintained that he did not consume any alcohol the day before his shift or on the morning of his shift. He was unwell the day before and had obtained a cough mixture from a neighbour. He took some cough mixture in the evening before his shift and two teaspoons of the same mixture before walking to work on the morning of his shift. He explained that he was unaware that the cough mixture contained any alcohol, as he did not read the label. Thus, he said, he had unknowingly contravened his employer's no substance policy. A manager at the company explained that an employee working on machinery while under the influence posed a serious occupational and health risk, thus the zero-tolerance approach. The commissioner, in earlier overturning Tsamse's dismissal, found no evidence to suggest that he had consumed alcohol the evening before or on the morning of his shift. He also agreed that Tsamse was not intoxicated and showed no signs of drunkenness. In asking for this ruling to be overturned, the company questioned the conclusion that Tsamse was negligent for not reading the label on the medicine bottle, but that the policy had not been breached. The Labour Court, however, turned down the review and found that the commissioner's findings were reasonable under the circumstances.
