The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is seeking an urgent interdict against a group of individuals attempting to force out the legally appointed security services provider at the new MyCiTi Spine Road depots on the corner of Spine Road and Mew Way between Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain and replace them with their own preferred service provider.
SUPPLIEDAccording to the City, On Monday, the group allegedly
forcibly removed from site the legitimately appointed security presence and
reiterated threats to disrupt or vandalise the facility unless their preferred
security company was appointed.
‘’This follows an ambushed meeting with City officials last
week, 20 November, during which community members issued direct threats in the
event their demands are not met. These demands include the removal of the
legally appointed service provider, Bidvest, to be replaced by Sibakhulu, a company
that was subcontracted to provide security services during the construction of
the depot. They further demanded that this company must provide security on an
ongoing basis, that only companies in Ward 99 and the broader Khayelitsha area
be considered for cleaning and security work at the depot,’’ said Rob Quintas,
MMC for Urban Mobility.
‘’The City is seeking an urgent interdict to protect the
facility, and cases have been opened with SAPS. Law Enforcement has been
deployed to stabilise the situation, but this cannot continue indefinitely
without detriment to other priority areas. The City wishes to place on record
that any threat of vandalism, intimidation, or disruption of municipal services
is a criminal offence and will be treated as such,’’ he added.
Quintas said the Vehicle Operating Company (VOC) contracted
to manage the facility, is responsible for appointing its own subcontractors,
including security and cleaning services, in line with prescripts of the
Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
‘’Finally, temporary construction-phase work opportunities
do not confer automatic rights to long-term security or operational contracts. This
facility is a public asset, built to serve over 1,4 million residents across
more than 30 communities. It cannot be captured by any group for narrow
personal gain. All companies are free to bid for work when opportunities are
lawfully advertised.’’
‘’Procurement processes are founded on law and fairness and cannot be rewritten in a community meeting or dictated by threats. The City will defend this depot and the integrity of our systems through every legal means available. Attempts at unlawful interference for narrow local interests are an attack on the entire community and will be met with the full force of the law,’ said Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.
Done by: Mitchum George
Comments