Are car guards being exploited in South Africa?
Can you honestly say that you respect the job car guards do daily?
Living in South Africa comes with many 'South Africanisms'. One such thing is the job title, Car Guard.
Many people are divided when it comes to this job title. As the level of trust between a car owner and a complete stranger whose job is to watch over your car can be a bit overwhelming.
But the truth is for the most part it is a job that many people don't immediately opt for but are forced into.
"With persistently high levels of crime and unemployment, car guarding remains a viable means to earn a meagre living in the informal sector, partly due to low entry barriers." (Business Tech)
Now there is a distinct difference between the guys who just interchange reflector jackets at local shops or on street sides and those that work at reputable malls and under agencies.
Sadly, besides the agent fees that are imposed on these 'legitimate' car guards, there is also the matter that sometimes they face verbal abuse and toxicity.
"Furthermore, car guarding agents and managers seldom offer any support to the car guards. If any complaints are lodged against a car guard, either by the public or motorists, or if any misconduct is reported, the car guard is often immediately dismissed, irrespective of who was to blame." (Business Tech)
There is a two-way street here though, as many car guards have given them a bad name. With some car guards being forceful in asking people for money to guard their cars.
Although there were attempts to make the industry of car guarding a regulated part of the security umbrella, it failed due to several factors, such as paying for PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) certified training, monthly membership to PSIRA, unidentified immigrants, and lack of participation by the workers themselves.
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As much as we have a stereotyped way of thinking of car guards, it is time that we take a step back and look at these workers who are merely trying to earn a living for their family.
Local municipalities and private business owners are trying to formalise car guarding, not just as a way of dealing with crime, but also as a way of helping with unemployment.
So our question to you is...
Image Courtesy of Twitter