Online Reporter
YESTERDAY, we carried an article about the deplorable conditions under which security guards at Strike Security are working in Harare.
We visited the property, where the guards are kept when they are on duty, and what we saw there is shocking.
Security guards often work long, irregular hours, frequently overnight, in isolation, and under challenging circumstances.
Their role requires alertness, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. Yet, the conditions we saw— poor accommodation, lack of basic sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and little regard for their welfare — paint a picture of workers who are being neglected and undervalued.
It is a contradiction that those entrusted with safety are not afforded even the most basic level of dignity in their own lives.
Employers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that their workers are treated humanely.
This includes providing decent living quarters, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
When a company fails in these responsibilities, it is not merely a lapse in management—it is a violation of fundamental human rights.
No employee, regardless of their role, should be forced to live in conditions that compromise their health, dignity, and overall well-being. The situation also raises broader concerns about labour practices within the private security sector.
Security guards are often among the lowest-paid workers, despite the critical nature of their duties.
Many endure exploitation because of limited employment opportunities, leaving them with little choice but to accept poor conditions.
This imbalance of power allows some employers to cut corners at the expense of their workers’ welfare. Beyond the ethical implications, such conditions are also counterproductive.
A guard who is exhausted, malnourished, or living in discomfort is less likely to perform their duties effectively. This not only puts the guard at risk but also compromises the safety of the clients and properties they are hired to protect.
In other words, neglecting worker welfare ultimately undermines the very service the company is supposed to provide.Authorities and relevant regulatory bodies must step in to investigate these allegations thoroughly.
There should be swift and decisive action to hold those responsible accountable.
Companies that fail to meet basic labour standards should face penalties, and more importantly, be compelled to improve conditions immediately.
At the same time, there is a need for stronger enforcement of labour laws and increased awareness among workers about their rights.
Security guards should not feel powerless or voiceless.
Trade unions and worker advocacy groups have a role to play in ensuring that such issues are brought to light and addressed.
Ultimately, this is about restoring dignity to a group of workers who are too often overlooked.
Security guards are not invisible; they are an essential part of our daily lives.
They deserve respect, fair treatment, and humane living conditions. What is happening at Strike Security, is a stark reminder that progress in labour rights cannot be taken for granted.
No company should prosper at the expense of its workers’ suffering.
