PSiRA registration. Who must register?

The private security industry has become one of the largest industries in South Africa. The role of private security companies is quite different compared to that of the police, therefore it has different values and regulations. In South Africa, the Private Security sector is regulated by Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).

As it happens, South African citizens who want to apply for the job in security industry are usually required to be registered with PSiRA before offering such services. Neglecting to register while working within such industry is even considered a criminal offence.

Yet, what are the main requirements for this registration?

• First of all, applicant must be at least 18 years old and be a permanent South African citizen.
• Candidate must have a clear criminal record and not have committed any of the criminal offenses listed in the Private Security Industry Regulation Act.
• Applicant cannot be a member of military or security police.
• It is absolutely crucial that all training is completed by an accredited training centre. After completing training, the security candidate will qualify with a Grade D. (Yet, as one’s career in the security industry begins to grow and more responsibilities appear, it becomes necessary to reach other various levels). This can be intimidating as the training fees cost up to R400.00.
• The applicant, naturally, should be mentally sound.
• The relevant application fee must be paid as determined by the PSIRA (R160.00).

An applicant who meets the registration requirements gains access to the security industry. PSiRA registration implies that the candidate is reliable and able to carry out his duties in protecting the public. PSiRA registered person helps to ensure the achievement of a lawful private security industry and its work.

All of those points and demands are necessary to achieve the main goals of Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA). As the Authority values integrity and fairness, one of its objectives is to protect the rights of every single citizen and ensure their safety through the regulation of the private security industry. Moreover, PSIRA seeks to be seen as an excellent regulator of private security by all of the businesses, that is why it is exceptionally important to meet PSiRA standards.

However, one must remember not to be discouraged by the long wait, undergoing training as well as the costs of training and registration fees, because that way you might start to feel desperate for work, to choose an easier solution and, as a result, end up working for an unregistered company. But it is important to keep in mind that failure to register with PSiRA has its consequences. Unregistered businesses often pay their security guard below minimum wage, which can even result in security staff turning to crime.