Thengwe residents demand fair process when appointing security guards

Angry residents from Thengwe and surrounding communities in the Mutale area blocked the entrance to the newly built Thengwe clinic on Wednesday, 28 February. They raised various complaints, with the most significant concern being the recruitment process for new security guards.

The new state-of-the-art Thengwe clinic, constructed by the Limpopo Department of Health to replace the old and dilapidated clinic, is nearing completion and is expected to begin delivering services soon.

Mr Khodani Mudanalwo, a community leader in Thengwe, highlighted that the impoverished deep rural areas lack job opportunities. He expressed opposition to any entity preventing local residents from accessing job opportunities within their jurisdiction.

Mudanalwo pointed out that a security company, BJM Security Services, was recruiting guards for the new clinic without informing the local communities. He argued that community members, some of whom had received training from accredited security training colleges, should be given priority for these positions.

In response, Mr Joel Masingi, the managing director of BJM Security Services, explained that the company had initially sought assistance from the ward councillor and traditional leader for recruitment. However, they later realised the need for an open recruitment system.

Following a meeting with community leaders, the traditional leader, and the councillor on February 28, an agreement was reached. Suitable candidates interested in working as guards under BJM Security Services were requested to submit their CVs.

Masingi mentioned that the selection process for candidates was scheduled for March 16, during which candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications and experience.

Date:09 March 2024

By: Silas Nduvheni

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