This is a guide on how to start a security company in South Africa.
Security services are becoming more and more important. The security industry is one that is not in danger of being replaced by tech or artificial intelligence. People will always need security services, especially in South Africa where crime is very rife.
We are going to focus on what it takes to run a security company but most importantly all the documentation you need to get started.
Private Security Regulator Authority
You must register with PSIRA before starting a security company. The primary objective of the Authority is to regulate the private security industry and to exercise effective control over the practice of the occupation of security service provider in the public and national interest and in the interest of the private security industry itself.
Required documents for registration
- Proof of Company registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- Member’s (Director(s), Partner(s), Trustee(s) and Managers must be registered as a security service provider with Grade B
- Tax Clearance Certificate, VAT Registration Number, PAYE Number obtained from the South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- U.I.F, C.O.I.D (Applicable only if already registered with the department of Labour)
- Business Plan for 1 year
- Declaration of a business’s capability to operate for the next year
- Immovable office premises.
You will first need to register your business with the CIPC before registering with PSIRA. Registering your business will cost you R175. It’s highly advisable to register it as a private company. You won’t be able to get contracts or tenders if your business is not registered.
Requirements for training centre
These are the requirements if you want to open a training school or centre.
Accreditation Application form (PSiRA 47 A).
• Proof of registration with PSiRA) Attach copy of Registration Certificate).
• Proof of Payment of the prescribed accreditation fee (Attach receipt).
• Receipt of settlement for annual fees.
• Lease agreement (of the approved infrastructure assessment for the purpose of training).
• Lease agreement should include a six (6) month validity period.
• Signed confirmation letter (on an official letter head) in case of re-location relating to the initial address
• Proof of fire department letter or an affidavit.
• Signed confirmation letter (on an official letter head) of Instructor, Instructor certificate and employment contract.
• Policy and Procedures prescribed for the management and administration of training, (enrolment policy, appeals policy, assessment and certification policy).
• Proof of telephone line.
• Proof of fax line.
It takes around 12 days for your application to be approved and you need a registration fee of R2 280. The business certificate expires every 12 months.
Tips for success
Networking
Networking is very important and will get you most of your first clients. Go to police stations or places where crime just occurred. Network with business people, get them to use your security services to safeguard their operating premises.
Marketing
You need to get the word out about your security company in order to get clients. The best way to market a security company is by using most of the traditional forms of advertising with a touch of digital marketing. Digital marketing will put you ahead of the competition.
You can use billboards and flyers to advertise your security services. Billboards tend to work very well because your company will start off serving a particular area and a billboard in a busy area will do the trick. Build a website for your company, building a website should not be expensive, you can get a website for as little as R1 200 from Promta Web Services.
Running digital ads will put you ahead of the competition, you only need to run Google ads. AdWords makes it easy to get people who are looking for security companies, you will get a lot of clients from running Google AdWords.
Conclusion
This guide focused mostly on regulations, you will have to draft a proper business plan and do market research before starting a security company. This was a guide on how to start a security company in South Africa. Do you have any thoughts or questions? Comment below.
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