According to a statement issued by Sakeliga, the proposed changes are neither in the public interest nor in the interest of private security operators, and risk undermining both public safety and economic stability.

The draft amendments were introduced by Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, following consultations with the Council of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). However, Sakeliga argues that the proposals impose excessive constraints on the private security industry, contradicting PSIRA’s own mandate to promote effective and professional security services.

Among the key concerns highlighted by Sakeliga is a provision that would prohibit the issuance of firearms even when a security firm or officer is only under investigation for an alleged offence, rather than convicted. Other contentious proposals include restricting private security officers from carrying firearms in public places such as schools, shopping centres, taxi ranks, hospitals, and stadiums unless stringent conditions are met.

Sakeliga warns that such measures could leave security officers unable to protect themselves, their clients, and members of the public against violent crime. Additional criticisms focus on the reclassification of handcuffs as weapons, restrictions on the use of non-lethal defensive tools such as tasers and rubber bullets, and severe limitations on the operational use of semi-automatic rifles.

The draft regulations would also require every security business to install a tracking device in each firearm, using only PSIRA-approved providers. Questions have been raised about the technological feasibility and the significant cost burden this would place on operators. Furthermore, security companies would have to shoulder the financial costs of additional annual medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations for employees.

Sakeliga contends that these measures, taken together, would impose a financially crippling burden on security companies while simultaneously diminishing their effectiveness.

While PSIRA, in a press release dated 11 April 2025, defended the amendments as necessary for strengthening compliance and oversight, Sakeliga maintains that the proposals are disproportionate and could seriously undermine security provision across the country.

The organisation argues that the private security sector plays a vital role in maintaining safety in both public and private spaces, and that excessive regulation threatens not only the sector’s viability but also broader social and economic wellbeing.

Sakeliga has submitted comprehensive written objections to the draft amendments and has urged the government to reconsider the proposals in their entirety. The organisation emphasised the need for regulatory measures that are both proportionate and reasonable, crafted with a practical understanding of the realities faced by security providers in South Africa.

You can read Sakeliga’s full submission to the office of the Director of Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority on this matter here.

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The draft regulations, currently under review, seek to impose strict limitations on private security firms, restricting access to essential equipment such as tasers, less-lethal options, and certain types of firearms. According to the DA, these changes would severely undermine the industry’s capacity to respond effectively to criminal threats.

“These regulations effectively mean that while criminals may be armed with high-powered weapons such as AK-47s, security personnel would be expected to respond with basic sidearms like 9mm pistols,” the party stated. “This puts not only security officers at risk but leaves entire communities more vulnerable to violent crime.”

In addition to safety concerns, the DA has raised alarm over the potential economic fallout. The proposed rules could lead to the arbitrary suspension of private security operations, which, in turn, may jeopardise short-term insurance coverage and destabilise an industry that employs over half a million South Africans.

“Private security plays a critical role in supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly given the high crime rates and limited capacity of public law enforcement,” the statement continued. “These regulations risk triggering massive job losses and undermining one of the few sectors effectively helping to keep communities safe.”

While acknowledging the existence of rogue elements within the industry, the DA argues that these can be dealt with under current legislation, without penalising law-abiding operators. The proposed amendments, it says, would do more harm to legitimate service providers than to the criminals they are meant to curb.

The party has also questioned the credibility of PSIRA, noting that the regulator has previously faced material findings by the Auditor-General. “It is deeply troubling that an entity with its own oversight challenges is now pushing through overreaching, impractical rules that threaten to cripple the very industry it is meant to oversee.”

The DA is urging all South Africans concerned about crime and community safety to join the campaign against what it describes as “draconian” new regulations.

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The proposed amendments relate to the Private Security Industry Firearms Regulations, which were published in the Government Gazette on 28 March 2025 by the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. The regulations are currently open for public and stakeholder comment until 25 April 2025. Reaction to the proposed amendments has been strong, with criticism coming from the SA Gun Owners Association, and the Democratic Alliance (DA). Ian Cameron, DA member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, stated the “recently published draft regulations will make it harder for private security companies to keep communities safe and must be opposed.”

PSiRA sought to clarify that the proposed regulations do not constitute a ban on the use of firearms by private security personnel. Rather, they are intended to introduce specific conditions under which certain calibres may be used, with the aim of enhancing oversight, not restricting lawful operations.

Additionally, PSiRA states the regulations do not limit the quantity of ammunition issued to security officers. Instead, they aim to ensure personnel are adequately equipped in line with operational requirements, with the amendments stating officers must be issued a “reasonable quantity” of ammunition. However, that which constitutes a reasonable quantity is not defined. The SA Gun Owners Association notes the lack of clear guidelines, which it states will create uncertainty and the potential for arbitrary enforcement.

“These proposed changes form part of a broader effort to improve compliance and oversight, guided by a thorough analysis of industry needs,” the statement explained.

PSiRA acknowledges the high level of public interest the draft amendments have generated and welcomed the volume of feedback received. “We urge the public and all stakeholders to engage on the basis of facts,” PSiRA said, adding that constructive input will help shape effective and fair regulation.

The draft regulations remain in the proposal stage and are subject to the full legislative process, including consultations, a comprehensive review of submissions, approval by relevant authorities, and finalisation prior to implementation.

PSiRA highlighted that the proposed measures align with international norms, noting that other jurisdictions often enforce far more stringent requirements on private security operations. Furthermore, the statement reiterated PSiRA’s intention to use the current proposals as an opportunity to foster dialogue and craft a balanced regulatory framework.

The private security industry is a vital part of South Africa’s safety and economic infrastructure. With roughly 543,000 registered security officers and an estimated value of R50 billion, the industry is a significant employer and a key provider of entry-level opportunities.

PSiRA emphasised that the proposed changes are designed to support responsible operators, improve industry standards, and ensure the safety of the public, without undermining the ability of lawful businesses to operate.

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