ASSOCIATION NEWS

Person getting tested for Covid-19.

Update from SASA

August has been relatively uneventful in the private security industry, but there are some matters that must be highlighted.

From the desk of Tony Botes, SASA National Administrator.

Civil unrest

Following the incarceration of ex-president Jacob Zuma, there were protest actions, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal, which were reportedly used by criminal elements to commit wholesale looting of shopping centres, warehouses and freestanding shops. These incidents occurred largely in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, though there were other instances throughout the country.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) were, unfortunately, not prepared for the magnitude of this criminality and was caught napping, hence the deployment of the SANDF (South African National Defense Force) to support them.

Despite directives and circulars recently issued by the SAPS National Commissioner and PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority), which strictly prohibited private security companies from carrying out the duties of the SAPS, we were approached by PSIRA with a query from the Minister of Police as to why the private security companies were not assisting the police during this time of civil unrest and looting.

The fact of the matter was that security companies were highly active throughout this period, protecting their contracted clients and the communities – mainly residential – where their clients were situated. Hats off to those companies and security officers who went ‘above and beyond’ their contracted responsibilities, often at great risk to themselves.

Unfortunately, a number of security companies, again mainly in KwaZuluNatal, far exceeded their legal mandates, which resulted in a number of arrests and a massive confiscation of their firearms for ballistic testing.

I am happy to confirm that no SASA member companies were part of those (illegal) actions.

Covid-19

SASA members, as well as all other security service providers, are still being hard hit by the pandemic, with staff at all levels, testing positive.

Last month, SASA addressed PSIRA for assistance with regard to having the private security industry declared as an essential service inasmuch as prioritising the vaccination of security officers.

A large number of SASA members had already committed to making their training centres available as vaccination centres, for both their own employees and any other security officers. PSIRA was of the same opinion and, as advised, had already received the blessing of the Minister of Police for this initiative, who would have to get the support of the Minister of Health and the President. This unfortunately came to naught, as all adults now qualify for vaccinations.

SASA is also considering partnering with ISIO (International Security Industry Organization) to upskill our members and their employees to further assist in combatting the pandemic, a serious biological threat to our country as a whole. More information to follow.

NBCPSS (National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector)

The good news is that the Bargaining Council has finally moved into its own offices, with the (sponsored) gala event on 26 August being well attended.

The first compliance arbitrations were held earlier this month and seventeen compliance orders were issued, which were immediately delivered to the Sheriff to effect collections, or attachment of their assets, if the relevant companies refused or were unable to settle the amounts due. THE SYSTEM WORKS! • Nine employers complied with the orders • Eight arbitrations, with two settlements, were held • Six compliance orders were issued

Further hearings are scheduled for 28 and 29 September, with 318 compliance orders already having been issued, and hopefully, many more to follow.

The Bargaining Council has employed five new agents (inspectors), with another five scheduled to begin in early September. This will still be way short of what it requires for police compliance, but the enforcement division may only be expanded as more companies come on board and start paying levies.

The above hearings covered a number of issues, including:

• Failure to register with the NBCPSS and pay levies

• Failure to participate in the statutory industry provident fund

• Failure to participate in the statutory industry medical scheme

The Council has, to date, received in excess of 4,000 complaints, which means that it is going to be a difficult exercise to handle all of these in the short term.

The Council is in the process of opening a branch office in the East Rand and SASA has offered them space at our offices on the West Rand.

The NBCPSS held its second AGM (Annual General Meeting) on 23 August with the following results:

Franz Verhufen, the SASA National Chairman, was unanimously elected as Chair of the NBCPSS Board for the next year. We wish him well during his term of office and SASA will obviously support him wherever necessary.

SASA has six of the 12 seats on the board of the Council, SANSEA (South African National Security Employers’ Association) has five, and the CEO (Consolidated Employers Organisation) has one — all in all, an excellent team to represent the industry as a whole.

The NBCPSS received a clean audit report, quite an achievement with any newly established organisation.

The NBCPSS has now been accredited with the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) and it is expected that they will, as soon as logistically possible, commence with labour relations disputes, which are currently still being handled by the CCMA.

General compliance

Our office has been inundated with compliance complaints, relating to exploitation of security officers, companies and security officers unregistered with PSIRA, the NBCPSS, PSSPF, Affinity Health and general service delivery matters.

We forward such complaints to the relevant authorities without fear or favour and are extremely pleased to confirm that we are enjoying an excellent relationship with all concerned.

SASA welcomes reports of noncompliance (with tangible evidence please); although we are not the statutory body tasked with dealing with these matters, we undertake to convey these to the relevant enforcement bodies and, where necessary, protect the whistle-blowers.

Membership benefits

Focus Africa magazine, official journal of SASA.

We are working on expanding membership benefits, which will be communicated to all members once finalised. Currently, these include:

• A strictly applied Code of Ethics.

• Representation at national and local government level.

• Industry exposure in the media as well as at major shows and exhibitions.

• Contacts and networking opportunities.

• Discounted training courses, events and seminars.

• Access to a security library managed by the University of South Africa (UNISA).

• Updates on new legislation and other industry-relevant information.

• Access to security-related and affiliated associations in South Africa and overseas.

• The SASA national website.

• A central administration office.

• Free digital subscription to Security Focus Africa magazine, official journal of SASA.

• A mentorship programme which is designed to guide and assist start-up security companies with attaining the compliance standards required to qualify for Gold Membership.

For more information about what SASA does and how it can help you and your company, or to report any wrongdoings or concerns, please contact Tony Botes, SASA National Administrator, at:

Tel: 0861 100 680 / 083 650 4981

Cell: 083 272 1373

Email: info@sasecurity.co.za / tony@sasecurity.co.za

Website: www.sasecurity.co.za