The private security sector is one of South Africa’s largest employers, yet it faces ongoing challenges related to compliance, fair wages, and regulatory enforcement.
Tony Botes, Administrator of the Security Association of South Africa (SASA), has been at the forefront of efforts to improve industry standards. In an interview with ProtectionWeb, he shared his insights into the sector’s key issues and the steps needed to create a more ethical and sustainable industry.
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 said 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.
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