Workers to protest over demands at South Point student residences

South Point, a privately owned residence accommodating students from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Picture- Sisonke Mlamla

South Point, a privately owned residence accommodating students from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Picture- Sisonke Mlamla

Published Sep 1, 2021

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Cape Town - More than 100 employees at South Point student accommodation in different cities including Cape Town, have planned to protest over a long list of problems.

Among the problems listed by the employees include the pay increase to R12 500 per month; to be provided with changing rooms and decent canteens; training and development.

General Industrial Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) shop steward at South Point Bongani Folie said because the management had been ignoring their call, they had resorted to continue with the protest as from today.

Cape Town shop steward Alex Ndzuzo said at least five South Point residences housing students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology would be affected.

He said the residences were situated in Woodstock, Bellville, Barrack Street, Cape Town, Plein Street and Claremont.

He said more than 50 workers including management and cleaners at the five residences would join the protest.

"The main challenge we are facing is the outsourcing of services to Servest cleaning company in Cape Town," said Ndzuzo.

Giwusa president Mametlwe Sebei said the protest would take place at all South Point student accommodation providers in Johannesburg, eThekwini, Cape Town, Pretoria and Gqeberha.

Sebei said the workers also demanded to be paid their outstanding Covid-19 UIF temporary relief payments.

"All job vacancies to be advertised internally before the company seeks external candidates, insourcing of all cleaners, loans for employees, a 13th cheque for all workers instead of a KPI-related bonus, an end to the exploitative practice of not allowing front desk officers to ever take holidays in December," said Sebei.

He said they also demanded an end to deductions being made while workers were on annual leave, employment of more front desk officers and maintenance staff, medical aid and a housing allowance.

"Payment of the 2019 financial year-end bonus which is still outstanding, payment of the 2020 financial year-end bonus in April as it was previously done, an end to eight hours payment during the leave and time and attendance deductions to be made per minute," he said.

South Point were approached for comment about the demands and allegations by the workers, but did not respond by the time of publication.

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