Deliberately Blocking of Insourcing in Ekurhuleni to Protect Tenders

It must be made clear to the residents of Ekurhuleni, especially exploited workers, that the ANC has never had an appetite for insourcing. Its true position was exposed in 2022 when it voted against the insourcing motion. In contrast to ActionSA’s principled fight to restore dignity to workers through insourcing, the ANC in Ekurhuleni has become an obstacle to justice for the same workers it claims to champion.

In March this year, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced the creation of 199 cleaning and supervisory posts, together with 394 security personnel positions, to strengthen the municipality’s internal capacity. Six months later, not a single one of these posts has been filled despite the fact that the budget for these positions has been approved. This is not a delay; it is a failure of political will and executive action.

For years, the City of Ekurhuleni has spent billions of rands on outsourced security guards, cleaners, and other contracted services. Reports indicate that the city owes creditors over R13.2 billion, yet it continues to pay millions to private companies and labour brokers who exploit workers with slave wages, no benefits, and no job security.

The contracted services budget is bloated, inefficient and unsustainable. The city cannot afford to keep paying tenderpreneurs while it fails to pay Eskom, Rand Water and its own entity ERWAT. Insourcing will save the city money and restore dignity to workers.

The ANC cannot stand in front of workers in Tembisa, Katlehong, Vosloorus and Daveyton and tell them they care about jobs, while in council they vote to protect labour brokers. They cannot claim to be a party of workers while they defend a system that keeps security guards earning R4,500 while the company bills the city R18,000 per worker. Workers and Unions must hold the ANC accountable for every delay and vote they take against insourcing. 

ActionSA has left no stone unturned to realise insourcing in Ekurhuleni. Unlike the ANC, we understand that insourcing is about two things, restoring the dignity of workers and saving the city millions that can be reinvested into service delivery for our residents, not tenderpreneurs.

The 2026 Local Government Elections are a defining moment for exploited workers in Ekurhuleni to make their voices heard and vote for a party that puts their interests first.

ANC has proven, over and over, that it has no intention of restoring dignity, job security and fair treatment to municipal workers.

ActionSA Herman Mashaba: Remains the face and President of the party.