Security Jobs Finder - Insights
32nd Edition
1. PSIRA Regulations Under Fire: What It Means for the Security Industry (April 2025 Update)
Major changes to firearm rules by PSIRA could reshape South Africa’s security industry. Plus: job interview tips & roster clerk role explained
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3. Draconian PSIRA Amendments Threaten Public Safety
Opinion and Analysis Published on 22 April 2025 ByArmand Badenhorst
The South African private security industry, employing more than 500,000 people, plays a critical role in maintaining safety and stability. Yet, the sector now faces a serious threat through proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA). These changes, already described as draconian by Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, risk not only weakening the industry’s operational capacity but also severely compromising public safety.
These proposals come amid a national crime crisis. Gauteng alone accounts for nearly 27 percent of all reported crimes in the country, including rape, kidnappings, hijackings, and armed robberies. In provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape, communities contend daily with gang violence, cash-in-transit heists, and farm attacks. With police resources stretched thin, the private security sector often serves as the first and, in some cases, only line of defense for vulnerable South Africans.
Among the key concerns raised by the proposed amendments are:
• A ban on carrying firearms in public spaces such as shopping malls, churches, schools, and stadiums, regardless of threat level
• A requirement for all firearms to be fitted with GPS tracking devices, supplied only by vendors appointed by PSIRA, raising concerns around privacy, cost, and monopolisation
• Vague and undefined restrictions on the quantity and type of ammunition permitted
• A ban on essential defensive tools including batons, tonfas, handcuffs, and pepper spray
• Compulsory annual psychological evaluations for all officers, with no national standard, oversight, or clear appeal mechanisms
• No process for re-evaluation following trauma or for challenging disqualification
• Mandatory risk assessments for all sites, regardless of contract length or complexity, with no defined format or standard
• A requirement for all operational functions to be pre-registered with PSIRA, risking delays in emergency response
• Potential penalties for officers who act in self-defence without a pre-approved risk profile, which is operationally unworkable
As a former police instructor and hostage negotiator with extensive experience in high-risk law enforcement operations, I can say with confidence that these proposals are disconnected from the realities faced by security professionals on the ground. Prohibiting commonly used defensive tools places officers in a position where they must choose between withdrawing or escalating to deadly force—neither of which is acceptable in a professional context.
South African firearm laws are already among the strictest in the world. Additional operational restrictions, without logic or flexibility, increase the risks to both officers and the public they protect. While psychological assessments may be necessary, they must be implemented with fairness, consistency, and professional oversight. Without these safeguards, they will become grounds for exclusion, discrimination, and litigation. Smaller and mid-sized companies, which form the backbone of many community-level services, may not survive the cost burden, leading to job losses and an increasingly monopolised industry.
According to the South African National Security Employers Association (SANSEA), the proposed amendments could result in mass retrenchments. Independent cost assessments suggest that compliance costs could increase by up to 60 percent. This would have devastating consequences, especially in rural and under-resourced communities where private security firms fill the vacuum left by an overstretched police service.
Internationally, tools such as pepper spray, batons, and handcuffs are regarded as minimum equipment for private security officers. Countries like the United States, Australia, and various European nations maintain clear regulations for such tools not blanket prohibitions. South Africa risks overregulating its private security sector to the point of operational failure, placing vulnerable communities at even greater risk.
To ensure that regulation strengthens rather than weakens the sector, I propose the following:
• Open and inclusive consultation with experienced industry practitioners, legal experts, and public safety analysts
• A full socio-economic impact study before implementation, particularly focused on employment and service delivery risks
• Development of nationally recognised standards for psychological assessments, under the guidance of professional bodies
• Regulation—not prohibition—of defensive tools such as batons, pepper spray, and handcuffs
• A phased implementation plan, including training and financial support for smaller security providers
• A re-evaluation of the blanket firearm ban in public spaces, allowing for exceptions in high-risk operational environments
South Africans deserve to feel safe, and the private security industry remains a critical pillar in supporting that safety. While regulation is necessary, it must be practical, professional, and informed by operational realities. Without a balanced and inclusive approach, we risk weakening the very structures that protect our homes, businesses, and communities.
Armand Badenhorst is a former South African Police Service officer, having served as a Hostage and Crisis Negotiator and Instructor, currently working as a security specialist in the private sector.
Source: https://www.protectionweb.co.za/opinion-and-analysis/draconian-psira-amendments-threaten-public-safety/
4. Interview Q & A
How to answer the security interview question: "Are you comfortable with carrying a firearm as part of your duties?"
In many security roles — especially those in armed response, VIP protection, or cash-in-transit (CIT) — the requirement to carry a firearm is non-negotiable. So, when recruiters ask:
“Are you comfortable with carrying a firearm as part of your duties?”
they’re not just ticking a box. They’re trying to gauge your fitness for the role, both from a legal and psychological standpoint.
Why Interviewers Ask This Question
Recruiters need to determine if you:
Have the necessary training and firearm competency certification.
Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of being armed.
Can remain calm and in control during high-pressure or life-threatening situations.
Will adhere strictly to safety protocols and company policy.
Have the mental readiness and emotional maturity to use a firearm only when absolutely necessary.
How to Structure a “Yes” Answer
The best answers are confident, responsible, and show clear understanding of the seriousness of the role. A good answer typically includes:
Confirmation that you are comfortable.
Mention of training, licensing, and legal compliance.
Emphasis on discipline, safety, and professionalism.
Real-life context, if applicable.
Sample Answer if You're Comfortable
“Yes, I am comfortable with carrying a firearm as part of my duties. I’ve completed the required firearm competency training and have an up-to-date licence, in line with legal requirements.
I take this responsibility seriously and understand that a firearm is never a first option — it’s a last resort for when lives are at stake. In my previous role in armed response, I followed strict operational protocols, ensured my firearm was stored and handled correctly, and participated in regular refresher training.
I stay calm in high-stress situations and focus on risk assessment and de-escalation first. My goal is always to protect lives while maintaining full compliance with the law and company SOPs.”
Why This Works
It shows competency and training, which reassures the employer.
It frames firearm use as a last resort, showing maturity and professionalism.
It communicates that the candidate has first-hand experience and a safety-first mindset.
It aligns with the core values of the security industry: protect, deter, de-escalate, defend.
Sample Answer if You're Not
Not all roles in security require firearms, and not all applicants are comfortable with the idea — and that’s okay. If you're applying for an unarmed role or transitioning from another industry, it’s better to be honest.
Model Answer: No
“At this stage, I am not comfortable with carrying a firearm. My previous roles have been in unarmed security positions, and while I understand the importance of armed roles in certain environments, I haven’t yet undergone the necessary training or legal certification.
That said, I am open to professional development, and if the role requires it in the future, I’d be willing to explore the necessary training and certification. For now, I am best suited to unarmed positions where I can apply my skills in surveillance, access control, and public safety.”
Why This Also Works (When Appropriate)
It’s honest and self-aware, which builds trust.
It shows a willingness to learn and grow, rather than outright refusal.
It helps the recruiter determine the right fit within the organisation — not every security role is armed.
It avoids putting someone into a high-risk role they’re not mentally or legally prepared for.
Final Thoughts
This question is about more than your comfort level — it’s about your readiness to take on a role with significant legal and moral responsibility. Whether your answer is yes or no, the key is to be honest, professional, and safety-conscious.
5. The different career options available in the security field:
Career Spotlight: Easy Roster Clerk in the Security Industry
Here’s how to answer this common — and often tricky — security interview question:
Here’s why becoming an Easy Roster Clerk might be your next big move.”
In the fast-paced world of security services, proper manpower planning is the backbone of operational efficiency. One key role ensuring this precision is the Easy Roster Clerk — a vital administrative function responsible for scheduling security personnel using industry-specific rostering software like EasyRoster.
Whether you're exploring career paths in security or already in the industry looking to grow, here’s what you need to know about becoming an Easy Roster Clerk.
What is an Easy Roster Clerk?
An Easy Roster Clerk is responsible for creating, maintaining, and adjusting work schedules for security officers across multiple sites. Using software like EasyRoster, they ensure that clients are adequately staffed, operational costs are managed, and all shifts are compliant with labour laws and company policies.
This role is essential in guarding against understaffing, excessive overtime, and non-compliance — all of which can severely impact service delivery and profitability.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Shift Scheduling: Accurately schedule security personnel across various client sites, taking into account leave, absenteeism, overtime limits, and shift rotations.
Roster Management: Use EasyRoster software to input, track, and update deployment rosters.
Compliance Monitoring: Ensure shift patterns comply with Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), sectoral determinations, and contractual obligations.
Attendance Tracking: Monitor and reconcile clock-in/out records with scheduled shifts and submit attendance data for payroll.
Reporting: Generate daily, weekly, and monthly reports for management and clients regarding coverage, absenteeism, and hours worked.
Communication: Liaise with site supervisors, operations managers, and HR to manage roster changes and staff availability.
Problem Solving: Quickly resolve last-minute staffing issues.
Skills and Competencies Required
Proficiency in EasyRoster software (or similar workforce management tools)
Strong computer literacy (MS Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Attention to detail and high accuracy under pressure
Time management and ability to meet strict deadlines
Excellent communication skills
Understanding of security operations and labour regulations
Analytical thinking to optimise resource allocation
How to Become an Easy Roster Clerk
Education:
A Matric certificate is usually the minimum requirement.
A diploma or certificate in administration, human resources, or security operations is advantageous.
Training in EasyRoster Software:
Practical experience using EasyRoster is crucial.
Many companies provide on-the-job training, but having a certificate in EasyRoster use is a major advantage.
Experience:
Prior experience in security admin, control room operations, or HR support roles is valuable.
Many roster clerks start out as site supervisors or control room operators.
Knowledge of Labour Law:
Understanding BCEA, overtime rules, and sectoral agreements is essential to create lawful rosters.
Career Growth Opportunities
A career as an Easy Roster Clerk can lead to several other opportunities within the security and operations environment:
Rostering Supervisor
HR Administrator (Security Sector)
Payroll or Time and Attendance Clerk
Operations Controller or Scheduler
Contracts Administrator
Junior Operations Manager
With ongoing experience and strong performance, some Easy Roster Clerks go on to become Operations Managers or Branch Admin Managers, overseeing larger portfolios of sites and personnel.
Final Thoughts
The role of an Easy Roster Clerk is often behind the scenes, but its impact on service delivery, staff morale, and operational success is enormous. If you're detail-oriented, enjoy working with data and schedules, and have a passion for keeping operations running smoothly — this could be your perfect entry point or next step in the security industry.
6. PSiRA rejects concerns over Firearms Regulation Amendments
Civil Security Published on 11 April 2025 By Ricardo Teixeira
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) has strongly dismissed claims stating the newly proposed amendments to firearms regulations will hinder the operations of private security firms. In a media statement released on X, PSiRA addressed public and industry concerns, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and constructive engagement through the ongoing consultation process.
The proposed amendments relate to the Private Security Industry Firearms Regulations, which were published in the Government Gazette on 28 March 2025 by the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. The regulations are currently open for public and stakeholder comment until 25 April 2025. Reaction to the proposed amendments has been strong, with criticism coming from the SA Gun Owners Association, and the Democratic Alliance (DA). Ian Cameron, DA member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, stated the “recently published draft regulations will make it harder for private security companies to keep communities safe and must be opposed.”
PSiRA sought to clarify that the proposed regulations do not constitute a ban on the use of firearms by private security personnel. Rather, they are intended to introduce specific conditions under which certain calibres may be used, with the aim of enhancing oversight, not restricting lawful operations.
Additionally, PSiRA states the regulations do not limit the quantity of ammunition issued to security officers. Instead, they aim to ensure personnel are adequately equipped in line with operational requirements, with the amendments stating officers must be issued a “reasonable quantity” of ammunition. However, that which constitutes a reasonable quantity is not defined. The SA Gun Owners Association notes the lack of clear guidelines, which it states will create uncertainty and the potential for arbitrary enforcement.
“These proposed changes form part of a broader effort to improve compliance and oversight, guided by a thorough analysis of industry needs,” the statement explained.
PSiRA acknowledges the high level of public interest the draft amendments have generated and welcomed the volume of feedback received. “We urge the public and all stakeholders to engage on the basis of facts,” PSiRA said, adding that constructive input will help shape effective and fair regulation.
The draft regulations remain in the proposal stage and are subject to the full legislative process, including consultations, a comprehensive review of submissions, approval by relevant authorities, and finalisation prior to implementation.
PSiRA highlighted that the proposed measures align with international norms, noting that other jurisdictions often enforce far more stringent requirements on private security operations. Furthermore, the statement reiterated PSiRA’s intention to use the current proposals as an opportunity to foster dialogue and craft a balanced regulatory framework.
The private security industry is a vital part of South Africa’s safety and economic infrastructure. With roughly 543,000 registered security officers and an estimated value of R50 billion, the industry is a significant employer and a key provider of entry-level opportunities.
PSiRA emphasised that the proposed changes are designed to support responsible operators, improve industry standards, and ensure the safety of the public, without undermining the ability of lawful businesses to operate.
Source: https://www.protectionweb.co.za/civil-security/psira-rejects-concerns-over-firearms-regulation-amendments/
In conclusion:
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