Ann Eveleth
The head of security at the SABC has dumped one of the broadcaster’s top private security firms after it blew the whistle on him.
An internal SABC probe found that its protection services manager, Chris Solomon, had discussed employment with at least two companies while he negotiated the privatisation of SABC security operations with them.
Sky Mark Security, which currently guards SABC’s Auckland Park and Pretoria headquarters, sparked the inquiry after alleging that Solomon had offered the firm lucrative SABC work – if he could take a stake in the company.
But it has emerged that Solomon escaped any action, and instead chaired the committee that advised SABC management on whether Sky Mark’s contract should be renewed. The R3- million contract has not been renewed, and expires at the end of this month.
The dispute follows months of wrangling and allegations, which have sucked in the private security industry’s own watchdog, the Security Officers’ Board.
Sky Mark has guarded SABC offices since August 1995. But its relations with Solomon began to sour six months ago when Sky Mark chief executive Walter de Lima reported Solomon to the SABC’s top operations management. De Lima claimed that Solomon had offered Sky Mark access to a longer-term security outsourcing contract – as recommended by United States consultants McKinsey in their report on restructuring the SABC – in exchange for “an equity share” in Sky Mark.
“Solomon basically informed me that unless he had shares in Sky Mark Security, we would not stand a chance of renewing the contract,” De Lima said in his report. Solomon denies the allegations, but declines further comment.
The broadcaster launched an internal inquiry into Sky Mark’s claims. It found that Solomon had discussed employment with at least two other companies during talks over their access to the restructuring contract, but decided he had done nothing wrong.
Solomon also reported Sky Mark to the Security Officers’ Board. The board sent inspector Pieter Jordaan to investigate. Jordaan, a former SABC employee under Solomon, reported that the SABC could justifiably fire Sky Mark, given its staff’s poor training. Sky Mark disputed the claims.
The board then hauled Jordaan before a disciplinary hearing. The allegations against him included “unlawfully conspiring” with SABC management to allow Sky Mark’s dismissal.
SABC representative Marje Murray says “management looked into the [Solomon] allegations and is satisfied with the outcome”.