Security Guards petition Kazembe over poor salaries

The Zimbabwe Security Guards Union (ZISEGU) has called on the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, to urgently repeal Statutory Instrument 58/2024, which the union claims contributes to the low pay and exploitation of security workers in the country.

In a letter to Kazembe, ZISEGU Secretary General Philemon Nhema highlighted that the statutory instrument allows premise owners to pay low tariffs for security services, which in turn forces employers to offer meager salaries to security guards. Nhema emphasized that this situation is detrimental to workers' rights and violates both international labor laws and Zimbabwe's own constitution.

"It is our humble request that your esteemed office assist in the plight of security guards so that we avoid violation of workers' rights in Zimbabwe. The issue of low wages in the security industry is protected by international laws such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 23(3) and section 65 (1) of the Zimbabwe constitution," Nhema wrote.

The union argues that the tariffs set by SI 58/2024 make it impossible for employers to pay a living wage to security guards. According to Nhema, the tariff requires that employers pay only USD 365 for a 24-hour security guard contract, which is then divided by three guards working shifts. This results in a daily wage of less than USD 122 per guard, far below a decent living wage.

"Employers are forced to reduce employees' wages because they cannot operate a business that is not profitable. If employers are being paid in accordance with SI 58/2024, it means security guards are paid peanuts for their services," Nhema said.

The union also pointed out that SI 58/2024 contradicts the latest collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which set a minimum wage of USD 210, inclusive of allowances, and is due for review in October 2024. Nhema warned that this inconsistency could jeopardize the growth and stability of the private security sector.

ZISEGU also raised concerns about the broader regional wage disparity, noting that Zimbabwean security guards are among the lowest paid in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nhema pointed to neighboring countries, where security guards earn significantly more: in South Africa, guards are paid 4,521.70 rand per month; in Botswana, they receive 45.60 pula per day; and in Zambia, they earn 2,313.10 kwacha per month, including allowances.

The union also highlighted the lack of a pension fund for security guards, with most only receiving contributions from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA). This absence of additional benefits further compounds the financial struggles faced by security personnel.

"Security guards in Zimbabwe are the most exploited workforce in the region, and the absence of pension funds and other benefits leaves them vulnerable in their later years," Nhema said.

The petition to Kazembe calls for urgent action to address the inequities in the security sector, improve working conditions, and ensure that security guards are compensated fairly for the critical role they play in safeguarding lives and property.