Another job crisis is looming in the private security sector due to proposed amendments by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
If passed, over 600 000 security personnel could lose their jobs, leaving communities that depend on private security vulnerable.
The proposed amendments have sparked outrage among security companies, who are strongly opposed to the changes.
Kyle Connolly, CEO of Ensure Private Security, described the proposed amendments as "catastrophic" for South Africans.
He emphasised that private security played a crucial role in protecting the public, and losing these services would have far-reaching consequences.
South Africans have until April 25, 2025, to voice objections to the amendments.
Connolly said: "The private security industry employs over 600 000 people, and these jobs will be at risk if the amendments are passed. Private security covers more ground than the police, and without the ability to use our weapons, we would be unable to effectively do our jobs."
Connolly also expressed support for any legal efforts to block the amendments.
Another security company owner, who declined to be named as he had some contracts with the government, echoed these concerns. "It’s baffling that the government wants to take away our weapons when so many people rely on us for safety due to our efficiency," the owner said. "We will fight against these amendments with everything we’ve got."
Leading the opposition to the amendments is the DA spokesperson on police, Ian Cameron.
In a statement, Cameron warned that the changes would endanger both public safety and the livelihoods of over 500 000 South Africans employed in the private security sector.
He bemoaned the proposed regulations for restricting security companies' access to essential tools, such as tasers and firearms, which would leave them underarmed in comparison to criminal gangs.
Cameron, who is also the chairperson of the police portfolio committee, added, "Instead of targeting those who protect the law, these amendments should focus on addressing the rogue elements that have infiltrated the private security sector."
Cameron pleaded with South Africans to vehemently oppose the proposed amendments.
If implemented, the amendments would:
- Ban armed security in public spaces unless specific, unclear requirements are met
- Limit ammunition without clear standards
- Ban less-lethal tools like rubber bullets and tasers, and require handcuffs to be registered
- Shut down firms under investigation, without due process
- Require firearm tracking devices that currently do not exist
These changes would threaten the employment of hundreds of thousands in the industry.
Last week, Police Minister Mchunu drafted these proposals without consulting the private security sector.
The amendments aim to impose strict regulations on the types of firearms and ammunition private security firms can use, effectively "disarming" the sector.
Independent crime analyst Mxolisi Slevana was quoted in the media as saying: "The South African Police Service has just over 200 000 operational members, but private security personnel number more than 580 000.”
Industry insiders have raised concerns about being left out of the consultation process.
This is not the first time the government and PSIRA have tried to limit the firearms private security firms can use.
In 2019, then Minister of Police Bheki Cele proposed changes to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act to restrict access to certain high-caliber firearms.
The new regulations would have limited the issuance of handguns and shotguns to officers in specific roles, such as armed response, cash-in-transit protection, private investigation, and anti-poaching services.
Kamogelo Mogotsi, spokesperson for the police ministry, defended the proposed amendments, saying, "Through consultations with PSIRA, several shortcomings in the private security industry have been identified. The aim is to create a safer and more regulated environment for both service providers and the communities they protect."
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