Speaking at the recent Stallion Integrated Technology Day in Johannesburg, he focussed on the human and legislative pressures shaping the arena in which companies like Stallion operate.

Botes began by reminding the listeners of the industry’s scale: 17 389 registered companies and 632 000 active security officers, one of South Africa’s largest employers (the South African Police Service has just 190 000 active members). The size of the private security industry has doubled in the last six years, but behind the numbers is a worrying picture.

“We are still one of the largest employers in the country,” responded Botes, “but we are also burdened with non-compliance, exploitation, and ineffective enforcement. There are too many short-cut employers, and it is the officers – the men and women on the streets – who get hit with it.”

He cited the growing abuse of so-called “disguised employment relationships”. Some businesses, he added, are classifying officers as ‘independent contractors’ or ‘learners’ in a bid to escape labour obligations like UIF, provident fund, and minimum wage statutes.

“Greed is the root of much of these abuses,” he cautioned.

“But the tide is turning. The National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) has already collected fines in excess of R1 million against the culprits. To those who are still engaging in such practices: Big Brother will catch up with you soon enough.”

Botes also aimed his anger at the regulatory environment. Draft amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) propose restricting the use of firearms and, in fact, barring even non-lethal items like batons.

“If passed, these bills will essentially emasculate private security at a time when South African Police Services (SAPS) can’t keep pace with a growing crime tide,” he argued.

“We cannot allow overreach by regulation to undermine national safety.”

He cited dire crime statistics: violent crime increased more than 11% from the previous year, and police-to-population ratios continue to decrease.

“We are the backbone of security in this nation,” Botes stated.

“Our industry is an essential contributor to crime prevention, and yet we are being treated as though we’re part of the problem. This must change.”

For Botes, the solution is partnership: among industry and government, among providers and regulators, among officers and employers. Without it, he warned, “we will continue to drift into a two-tiered system where only the wealthy can afford proper protection.”

The post SA’s private security industry faces crisis of compliance and restrictive legislation – SASA appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

One of the biggest concerns in the industry, according to Botes, is non-compliance with labour laws and wage regulations. Many security companies fail to meet requirements or neglect statutory benefits such as overtime pay, leave, and provident fund contributions.

“Non-compliance is rampant in the industry, and unfortunately, it’s often the security officers who suffer the most,” Botes explained. Further, he noted that while there are regulations in place to protect security officers, enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing employers to exploit workers.

He warned that companies that cut corners not only put their employees at financial risk but also create unfair competition for law-abiding businesses. “Those who comply with the law are undercut by those who don’t. This weakens the entire industry,” he added.

As the Administrator of SASA, Botes plays a key role in ensuring that security companies understand and adhere to industry regulations. SASA’s main focus is education, advocacy, and ensuring ethical business practices, noted Botes. SASA works closely with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and other stakeholders to promote compliance and hold violators accountable.

However, Botes stressed that SASA cannot enforce laws directly. “We can guide and support, but without stricter enforcement from regulatory bodies, the problem will persist,” he said. He called for more proactive oversight from authorities, including regular inspections and harsher penalties for non-compliance.

For the private security sector to thrive, Botes believes all stakeholders must commit to ethical business practices. This includes paying security officers a fair wage, ensuring proper training, and upholding labour laws.

Botes urged stakeholders, saying that if the industry wants to be sustainable, it needs a collective effort. Businesses, regulators, and industry associations must work together to root out non-compliance and ensure that ethical companies are not at a disadvantage, stated Botes

Botes highlighted the importance of professional development in the sector, which employs 543 439 registered security officers. He believes security officers should have access to training and career growth opportunities. “Investing in skills development will not only improve service quality but also uplift the workforce,” he said.

Furthermore, Botes emphasised the need for accountability at all levels of the industry. “Compliance should not be optional. If we want to build a credible and professional security sector, we must hold non-compliant companies accountable and protect the rights of security officers,” he stated.

The post Security Industry non-compliant says SASA’s Tony Botes appeared first on ProtectionWeb.