MEDIA STATEMENT

Security Association of Namibia (SAN) hosts 29th Annual General Meeting

The security sector employer representative known as the Security Association of Namibia (SAN), that was established on 5 November 1992, successfully hosted its 29th Annual General Meeting in Windhoek on 26 November 2021, at Bauern Stube Family Restaurant, Windhoek.

In his opening statement, the outgoing President of the Security Association of Namibia, Mr. Hans Miljo, said the following; “SAN will continue to advocate and ensure total compliance in the security industry”.

Mr Miljo further raised concerns in that there has been no prosecution instituted by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment creation in response to countless security companies that have been and still not compliant to the minimum wage as per the provision of the Labour Act 23, 1998. To SAN, this shortfall has serious hallmarks that tell us that Ministry of Labour, through their inspectors, does not prioritise the need to have the industry regulated.

In his response to the concern raised by the SAN President, the Honourable Deputy Minister Dr Kashikola, who attended as the guest speaker, alluded that the neglect the industry faces is an issue that SAN needs to address, including the arbitration issue where compliance is not met.

The Deputy Minister, Dr Kashikola further commented the role played by the Security Industry is supplementary to activities of his Ministry in combating crime, protection of lives and property and thus the need for the security industry to be regulated, to minimise security risks within the Republic of Namibia.

Dr Kashikola also said that the regulation of the security industry within Namibia will further ensure and enhance the industry to act through certification of every security provider through SAN’s competency assessment and ensuring compliance to existing laws and that certification of security officers, through training, to be provided by SAN will further create sustainable employment for security officers and accredited qualifications.

The deputy Minister, Dr Kashikola concluded with appreciation for the cooperation between SAN and Namibian Police which is important since the Bill has made provision for the mechanism between private and state security apparatus and security organisations are well placed for the strengthening of exchange of intelligence.

Apart from the line Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security the Association engages on a continuous basis, with Trade Unions as important stakeholders in the industry and members of the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS), which hosts a wide range of powers.

Speaking through video conference, the Security Association of South Africa’s (SASA) National Administrator, Mr. Tony Botes, confirmed that SASA is the largest of the employers’ organisations in South Africa which plays a dominant role for the security industry with cooperation agreements with SAN, CAPSI in India, Security Association of Mozambique and Security Association of Singapore.

Mr. Botes further stated that SASA, with its many accomplishments, such as being recognised as a bargaining council for the private security industry and working closely with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, is willing to share and support the Security Association of Namibia to accomplish similar objectives in Namibia, for the benefit of both security industry employers and their employees.

A new Security Association of Namibia council was elected for 2022-2024, being President: Mr. Dawid Nuuyoma (G4S Namibia), Vice President, Mr. Corinus Kotze (G4S Namibia), Vice President: Mr. Dhiginina Uutaapama (Dog Force Security Services), Treasurer: Mr. Onesmus Hanhapo ( Sine Technologies Solutions), with the following as council members: Mrs. Seriane Mukuta (Elitjisola Trading Investment ), Mrs. Carona Viljoen (Crown Security), Mr. Absalom Tobias (Windhoek Security Services), Mr. Bartholomeus Koopman (Eagle Night Watch Security), Mr. Advocate Matomola (Extra Defence Protection Services), Mr. Fanie Horn (Namibian Protection Services).

The outgoing president, Mr. Hans Miljo (Crown Security) was provided with an Honorary Life Membership to the council after serving more than 10 years as the Security Association of Namibia president.

The new Council and the SAN National Administrator assures its membership of its quest to find long term sustaining solutions to the challenges that the industry faces.