How To Start A Security Company In South Africa

What is a Security Company?

A private security company is a business entity which provides armed or unarmed security services and expertise to clients in the private or public sectors.

How To Start A Security Company In South Africa

A person starting a security company should preferably have a background in the same field. There are a lot of knowledge and skills that goes into starting a security company. You can either chose to provide a security service or to sell security goods. In both these lines, you will have to be educated in the different equipment that is used by security professionals and be able to give advice to other people in the same profession. You can even combine the two types of security companies if you would wish to do so.

In order to start a security company you will need to register with the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). This is one of the governing bodies of private security companies in South Africa. You will have to pay a registration fee and complete an exam to determine your competence level.

On completion and passing of the exam, you will have to give proof to SIRA that you have no criminal record. Once they have received the proof and done investigation on it, they will conduct an inspection to establish whether or not your business meets the infrastructural requirements. You will also be held liable for the cost of the inspection. This inspection will then be done on a yearly basis to keep track of your business and you will also be responsible for paying the fees involved for the inspection annually.

Depending on the type of Security Company you are starting, you will have to have a decent amount of capital available. The equipment that is used in the security industry is normally on the high end when it comes to prices. So remember to include this when you are drawing up a budget for your company.

You may not always think it is necessary, but the importance of a business plan cannot be stretched enough. A business plan will force you to think about your business’s future and to where you are headed with your business. You will then also need to determine how you will get yourself in the market and how you will get your name out there. A business plan is of utmost importance to any business.

There have been quite a number of associations established in order to regulate the security industry. Mentioned below are some of these bodies. Membership of these bodies is not compulsory, but it will be to the advantage of your business. These associations are:

Security Association of South Africa (SASA). Their membership is open to companies offering any type of security service in South Africa.
Electronic Security Distributors Association (ESDA). This is an association that imports and distributes electronic security equipment.
Safety & Security Sector Education & Training Authority (SASSETA)
South African National Security Employers Association (SANSEA). This is one of the associations for employees in the security industry.
South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA). This is the type of association that provides alarm monitoring and armed response services.

During an interview I had with a security company owner, I was informed that the clients in the private sector do not tend to be picky when it comes to prices. They look at the reputation of a security company and determine which security company they will use according to their findings – no matter to what it will amount for them. He also mentioned that the more professional your security team is, the more likely you will be to get clients that hire you for security details.

In conclusion, remember that you will have to plan your security company thoroughly and you will need to be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into starting your company. Once your company is up and running, you will realise that all the trouble and planning were worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

What is required to open a security company in South Africa?

A SARS Tax Clearance Certificate, VAT Registration Number, PAYE Number. UIF and COID Registration if applicable. A 1-year business plan. A declaration that your business will be able to operate for the next year.

How much does it cost to register a company in Psira in South Africa?

PSIRA registration for a company is R6750 and non-refundable. HOWEVER there are a multitude of expenses that you will need to fund before you can register your company with PSIRA. We recommend a minimum of R50,000 to start a security business.

Is it profitable to start a security company in South Africa?

How much profit can a security guard company make? Security companies can generate approximately R40,000-R60,000 per security guard, per year. If you hire a team of 5 security guards at startup, then you may be able to clear R300,000 in revenue.

How do security companies get clients in South Africa?

To maximize the number of visitors to your site, incorporate keywords and phrases, such as “private security services” and “security guards.” Also try to incorporate local terms potential clients would use, such as “Birmingham security firms” or “Tampa private security company.” This makes it more likely that local.

How many registered security companies are there in South Africa?

9,000 registered companies

The private security industry in South Africa is among the largest in the world, with over 9,000 registered companies, 450,000 registered active private security guards and a further 1.5 million qualified (but inactive) guards; many times the available personnel than the combined South African police and army

Is there money in security in South Africa?

Security guards can work in a variety of places such as offices, shopping centers, banks and casinos. According to Adzuna, the national average salary for a Security Guard is R22,715. Adzuna also reports that the annual salary for a security guard has risen to 2.4% in comparison to the 1% annual change for all jobs.

How much does security agency make in South Africa?

To put it in basic terms, security companies make roughly 30% – 40% off of each operator it supplies, however only about 7% – 15% is what they actually take home after the deductions. (Based on small to medium business studies and research in the event security staffing industry).

Is private security legal in South Africa?

Private guards are held to the same standards as all other citizens in the majority of circumstances. This is referred to as a citizen’s arrest. It entails the guard detaining the criminal or trespasser and quickly notifying the authorities to make a proper arrest.

What is the age requirement for an operator or manager of a security agency in South Africa?

No person shall be employed as security guard or watchman or private detective unless he is: (a) a Filipino citizen; (b) a high school graduate; (c) physically and mentally fit; (d) not less than 21 nor more than 50 years of age; (e) at least 5 feet and 4 inches in height; and (f) suffering none of the.