ASSOCIATION NEWS

Update from SASA

Every month is eventful in South African, and July has been no exception! Here’s a round-up of the main events – which in one way or another – affect the country’s security sector.

From the desk of Tony Botes, SASA National Administrator.

Mass protests and looting

Following his sentencing by the Constitutional Court for National Defence Force (SANDF), who are actually not trained, we believe, for ‘urban conflict’. Despite directives from both SAPS contempt of court, ex-president Jacob Zuma was subsequently incarcerated. This led to mass action, predominantly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and then Gauteng, with protests hijacked by a criminal element that looted and destroyed shops, businesses and other entities, with damage and losses in the billions of rand.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) was caught napping (although some maintain that the intelligence structures had prior knowledge of the planned mass action), and they were obliged to obtain support from the South African and PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) saying that security companies were not permitted to perform “police functions”, a number of private security companies DID enter the fray, by providing additional manpower for their clients, escorting vehicles on the main routes and supporting communities against the looters. Unfortunately, it seems as though some of these companies, or their employees, overstepped the mark, which actions are currently under investigation by SAPS and PSIRA.

Covid-19

Following the easing of covid-19 restrictions to adjusted level 3 by the president on Sunday 25 July, we’re hoping that it impacts positively in terms of the economic challenges facing both businesses and individuals. Key going forward though, if we’re to avert another wave, is for people to all wear masks and take the required precautions.

SASA has been in contact with PSIRA, which supports our view that security officers be prioritised in the vaccination process. According to PSIRA, this has been approved by the Minister of Police, and they are now waiting for the approval from the Minister of Health and the President.

PSIRA has also requested that those security companies who have space and facilities (such as currently unutilised training centres) to make them available as vaccination centres for their own and any other security officers. We have communicated this to our members and I am pleased to confirm that we have received overwhelming support for this initiative.

We have been shocked to hear of the numbers of people, at all levels, who have succumbed from Covid-19 and extend our sincere condolences to their families and colleagues.

NBCPSS

The National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) has already scheduled the first few noncompliance hearings for next month and a much larger number for September and October. However, with probably more than 4 000 complaints already having been received and more being received daily, it will take a while to catch up. We wish them well in this challenge!

Non-compliance by security service providers seems to be growing by the day, with many security companies resorting to illegal and/or unethical practices to meet the push-back by consumers wanting to pay less but for the same level of service. Consumers should realise that ‘you get what you pay for’ and that it is all but impossible to expect a premium and effective level of security if you are demanding bargain basement prices!

Non-compliance includes but isn’t limited to the following:

• Using unregistered security officers (often undocumented foreigners)

• Using unregistered learners on sites (very seldom under the direct supervision of an assessor)

• Using independent contractors, also referred to as self-employed security officers

• Blatantly ignoring minimum statutory salary levels

• Failing to pay premiums for overtime, Sundays and public holidays

• Failing to pay the statutory Security Officer Premium Allowance

• Failing to participate in the statutory Private Security Sector Provident Fund, sometimes even deducting the employees’ contribution but not paying same over

• Failing to participate in the new statutory medical scheme

• Failing to register with and/or pay over the Bargaining Council monthly levies

We are currently in discussions with the insurance association about the hazards associated with hiring cheap and/or inferior security operators. Hopefully insurers will delve deeper into the quality and compliance level of the security service providers when assessing claims, as underpaid and overworked security officers most probably cannot and will not perform their duties to the high levels expected of them.

Hopefully the NBCPSS and PSIRA will begin working together, sooner rather than later, to share intelligence on non-compliance. PSIRA may prosecute, fine, suspend and/or deregister a non-compliant security service provider, but without powers of restitution, it cannot legally enforce payment of any unpaid or short-paid amounts to guards. On the other hand, the NBCPSS may issue compliance orders against such companies, going back as far as three years. Should the employer not comply with the claim award and, after following due process, this may be made an order of court and the Sheriff of the High Court may, with a warrant of attachment, attach the company assets, to be placed on auction, and use the income from the auctioned goods to settle such claims.

International reciprocal agreements

As mentioned in previous editions, we have already concluded agreements with security associations in Namibia and India, with Singapore just busy finalising their agreement. Further agreements are being planned with associations in Ghana, USA, and the UK.

Membership benefits

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