Businessman, Leeroy Sidambe, who is currently dating influencer Mihlali Ndamase. Scored a multi-million contract which he allegedly was supposed to pay security guards from. But has been avoiding to make payments.
Leeroy has reportedly not paid about 95 security guards. Who were involved in a contract with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the department of water and sanitation.
City Press reveals that Sidambe has been appointed as the director of the Sakhile Ezweni Group, which offers security services.
However, it is believed the guards protested at the company’s headquarters in Sandton on Wednesday, November 30. In attempt to get their outstanding salaries paid which they have tried several times.
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“We didn’t get our salary leave payouts and we haven’t been briefed on whether we’ll ever get them, or our provident fund money. When we consulted the company at its head offices, we were confronted by heavily armed bouncers and a reaction unit carry batons. They beat us heavily,” said one security guard.
The security guard also disclosed to the paper that he and the other guards had worked for Sakhile Ezweni until their contracts expired. In August and October when the two tenders came to an end.
The guards are demanding for their August and September salaries; payment for the overtime worked; provident fund contributions, which were allegedly deducted from their salaries; and their payslips.
“We demand that we be paid immediately and [that the company] stops making promises,” read the memo, which was handed to Sakhile Ezweni’s operations manager Vincent Motshekga.
As per publication, RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane confirmed that the tender had been awarded from October 2020 to September 30 this year.
Zwane adds that he is aware that Sidambe’s company had not paid workers for September. Which had been the last month of their contract.
“The staff said that the reason they were given for not being paid was that the RTMC hadn’t paid Sakhile Ezweni at the end of September, which wasn’t true. All invoices relating to the contract were paid.” “Unfortunately, Sidambe’s been unreachable, and calls to him have gone unanswered from the beginning of October right through to November,” said Zwane.
Wisane Mavasa, who is the spokesperson for the department of water and sanitation. Also reveals that a tender had been awarded to Sidambe’s company. For a period of 24 months – from July 1 2017 to 2019. But had been extended until August 31 this year.
“The complaints were picked up after the contracts ended. The department did interventions and the workers were paid their outstanding salaries, which were for the last month of the contract. Regarding the issue of provident funds, the department isn’t able to assist as that’s a private pension matter between employer and staff. The employees are encouraged to take the matter up with the relevant department [the department of employment and labour] for further recourse.”
The company also allegedly won security tenders in 2021. From the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) in Gauteng for 36 months, worth R75.2 million.