Letter to the editor

November 2002 News & Events

Dear Sir/Madam,

SAFETY & SECURITY

SIRA, the Private Industry Regulation Act, came into operation on the 14th February 2002. Part of the Act stipulates that all individuals and companies even remotely involved in the security industry register with the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA). This includes the likes of the Electronic Security Distributors Association (ESDA) and even specialist magazines that cover the subject of security.

Individuals who do not register would be liable for prosecution. Conviction can lead to five years imprisonment for first time offenders, and 10 years imprisonment for second time offenders.

Registration comes at a cost of a non-refundable application fee of R4560 per company and R85 per individual. Thereafter, an annual fee of R570 and a monthly fee of R285 per company is payable. The company is also required to pay R0,80 per registered employee per month.

On behalf of the security industry, I would like to put forward the following questions to the Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, as, to date, the only feedback we have on SIRA, is that the funds will be used to police the act.

What exactly will the funds be used for aside from policing the Act?

How does government intend implementing the actual policing of the Act?

Was it not taken into consideration that smaller companies may not be able to afford the non-refundable application fee, and a sliding scale be introduced?

Has anyone given any thought to the repercussions of SIRA coming into effect, in terms of unemployment? Surely, the generation of jobs should be a top priority on government's agenda?

The Security Association of South Africa's attempts to have these questions, and others answered, by SIRA, has proved fruitless. The result, big business is considering lodging an appeal with the High Court and championing the drive to get some straight answers out of the elusive authority.

While we recognise the need to regulate the private security industry, place control over security service providers, ensure the highest levels of training standards in the industry are in place and, prevent exploitation of employees, some of the conditions are clearly aimed at the guarding segment of the industry.

As distributors of electronic security equipment, we do not believe that undergoing a training course in guarding, a prerequisite before one can become a member of SIRA, has any benefit or relevance to our core business. We would like to ask the Minister what purpose having this security grading serves?

Finally, the Act has placed an explicit legal onus on consumers of private security services, to only use legitimate and registered security service providers. In light of this, we would also like to pose the question, what is being done to educate the consumer of the new Act as well as the role SIRA has to play, as surely, this too, will have an impact on insurance cover and the consumers' selection of service providers?

Yusuf Mather,

Member,

MS International, Johannesburg





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Highest increase in global cyberattacks in two years
Information Security News & Events
Check Point Global Research released new data on Q2 2024 cyber-attack trends, noting a 30% global increase in Q2 2024, with Africa experiencing the highest average weekly per organisation.

Read more...
From the Editor's desk: Apathy is a cybercriminal
Technews Publishing News & Events
      Welcome to SMART Security Solutions’ first print publication of the year, the SMART Access & Identity Handbook 2025. This year’s print issue is smaller than usual, so we include some articles in the ...

Read more...
From QR code to compromise
Information Security News & Events
A new attack vector involves threat actors using fraudulent QR codes emailed in PDF attachments to bypass companies' phishing security measures by requiring users to scan the code with their mobile phones.

Read more...
Boost revenue streams for MNOS
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
ReveNet has introduced its new solution, designed to safeguard and potentially boost revenue streams in an increasingly challenging landscape for MNOS. The new platform combines advanced analytics and is built on trust, transparency, and sustainability principles.

Read more...
Here’s to a SMART 2025
SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice News & Events
This is the final news brief from SMART Security Solutions for 2024, and the teams would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers, advertisers and partners and wish everyone a safe and secure festive season.

Read more...
Organisations fear AI-driven cyberattacks, but lack key defences
Kaspersky Information Security News & Events Training & Education
A recent Kaspersky study reveals that businesses are increasingly worried about the growing use of artificial intelligence in cyberattacks, with 56% of surveyed companies in South Africa reporting a rise in cyber incidents over the past year.

Read more...
South African SMBs chart growth amid economic uncertainties
News & Events
Survey shows that business confidence among South African SMBs remains strong at 78%, but opportunities abound to boost productivity and accelerate digital transformation. Additionally, AI adoption has gained traction, with two-thirds of South African SMBs investing in AI over the past year.

Read more...
ONVIF launches new online learning initiative
Training & Education Surveillance News & Events
ONVIF has released the first course in a new online learning initiative designed to promote greater knowledge and understanding of ONVIF's workings. The first “Introduction to ONVIF” course is now available.

Read more...
Gallagher Security opens Cape Town office
Gallagher News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Acknowledging a significant period of growth for the company in South Africa, opening a second office will enable Gallagher to increase its presence across the region with staff based in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Read more...
Physical security technology trends to watch in 2025
Technews Publishing News & Events
There are some exciting developments and significant changes, some technical and some operational, taking place in the market that security professionals should be aware of as they plan for the year ahead.

Read more...