ASSOCIATION NEWS

Update from SASA

As always, we’ve been busy! Here are some of the highlights of the last few weeks.

From the desk of Tony Botes, SASA National Administrator.

PSSPS (Private Security Sector Provident Fund)

At last, the PSSPF has managed to obtain interim relief, which was initiated during the exemption process that started in February 2021.

In terms of this, the following happened:

• PSSPF contributions reduced from 7.5% by employers and members alike to 5% each, as from September 2021 until August 2022; and

• The partial exemption in respect of the Security Officer Premium Allowance, from R175 to R270 per month as an interim measure, which should have become effective in March 2021, will shortly (probably as from the October 2021 paymonth) be rescinded and become effective.

We expected the PSSPF relief to take a long time (if it was actually granted at all). That was the basis of our exemption application, but to further assist employers in the private security sector, we reached an agreement with the trade unions at the NBCPSS (National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector) to, in the meantime, hold back on the above increase in the premium allowance until the PSSPF could amend their rules and have them approved by the Financial Services Control Authority (FSCA).

PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority)

It has come to our attention that PSIRA has promulgated their prohibition on any security company uniform colours that resemble the uniform colours of the SAPS (South African Police Service) the SANDF (South African National Defence Force), Correctional Services and/or any other law enforcement agencies in any way. The same prohibition applies to vehicle branding.

SASA believes that our own extensive submissions, as well as those made by our members and other organisations (dating back to mid-2019) were probably never adequately considered by PSIRA or the Minister of Police, considering the massive costs of rebranding entire companies’ vehicles and uniforms, the delay in doing so and the impact that Covid-19 has had on our industry and the national economy.

Furthermore, if one considers the colours being used by these state organisations, this directive does not leave security companies with many colour options to differentiate themselves from other companies.

It is important to note that an ‘Erratum Notice’ was published by PSIRA on 2 October 2020, with the subject still reading ‘Draft Amendments’. We all believed this was an ongoing process, but, as we’ve been advised by the authorities, it turned out to be the implementation date of the amended regulations.

Although the relevant clauses in the Government Gazette (number 43759) provided for a 180-day window for companies to change their uniforms (an impossibly short time), that window is now closed, and the amended regulations may now be enforced. To this end, all police stations received a directive from SAPS head office on 7 September 2021 instructing them to enforce these amended regulations.

We believe that certain parts of the Gazette are seriously flawed, along with the fact that it is still referred to as a ‘draft’ and have accordingly commenced with legal consultation in this regard. We will keep members informed of the options available to us.

MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between SASA, CAPSI (Central Association of Private Security Industry) AND ISIO (International Security Industry Organization of India)

We have formed an alliance with CAPSI and ISIO representing more than 9.15 million security practitioners in South Africa and India, in the interests of curbing the collateral damage of active mutating biological and tailing threats. The full statement is opposite this article.

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