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Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

Table of Contents

  • Starting a Business

How to Start Your Own Security Business in South Africa

  • Published on 6 December, 2024
7 Expert tips on How to Start Your Own Security Business in South Africa

Starting a security company in South Africa presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs and tenderpreneurs looking to tap into the rising need for safety and protection services in our country’s security market landscape. First-time business owners and seasoned individuals alike can take advantage of the growing concerns surrounding property security by launching their own security company.

This detailed guide of questions and tips will navigate you through the steps of how to register a security company, special criteria and regulations for the security industry, and practical advice to start a security company in South Africa today.

We guide you on how to register a security company in South Africa

What does the Security Sector in South Africa look like?

Before you begin the registration process of your security company, it’s crucial to have a grasp of the overall security sector landscape. South Africa boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing private security sectors, hosting numerous registered security providers. From safeguarding facilities to offering response teams, the opportunities in this field are extensive.

According to Altvest Capital, the private security industry in South Africa is experiencing growth with a value exceeding R50 billion due to the surge in crime rates and concerns about the effectiveness of the South African Police Service (SAPS). As per a report by Grand View Research, the worldwide security services industry is projected to grow at a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028 reaching USD 171.3 billion by 2028. 

South Africans are concerned about their home security

Surveys performed by Vumacam and Fletcher Advisory, also shows that home security was one of the top three priorities for a sample group of South African households in terms of spending habits and time management.

This certainly answers the question; Is a security company profitable in South Africa? Working in this field requires navigating through compliance with stringent regulations, adhering to procedures and distinguishing yourself from the competition. The key lies in running an organised business that prioritises adherence to security industry regulations and providing excellent customer service. This approach ensures a flow of contracts from both clients and government agencies.

What is needed to open a Security Company in South Africa?

Before embarking on establishing a security firm the initial crucial stage is the Security Company Registration process. This step involves a series of procedures and regulatory validations to uphold the credibility and reliability of your security business.

Registration of Security Company

First on the list is the registration of your security company. Begin your business journey by registering it with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission). This initial step is crucial for establishing a business presence in South Africa. You could also spare yourself the hassle and let Company Partners register your security company for you. Using us is a fast and seamless online process you can do from anywhere.

What to do after Registration

After registering your security company, the next step is to apply for PSiRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) Registration. PSiRA is the primary regulatory body responsible for the regulation of South Africa’s private security industry. It follows the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (56 of 2001) and its revision (19 of 2014).

Important elements of the regulatory environment include:

  • PSiRA licenses security businesses and individual officers, who must complete background checks, training, and competency certifications.
  • Compliance and enforcement: PSiRA conducts inspections, monitors activity, and looks into complaints. Non-compliant providers may risk penalties, suspensions, or revocation.
  • Transformation and empowerment: PSiRA promotes and monitors industrial transformation by addressing ownership, managerial control, skill development, and employment equity.
  • PSiRA establishes training standards and works with approved schools to create relevant programmes and promote ongoing professional development.

SARS Registration

Next on the list is your SARS registration. Ensure that your security company is in compliance with SARS’ (South African Revenue Service) tax regulations as this will help prevent any issues in the long run. Company Partners will have you registered for tax in no time and with no worries.

COID Registration

Following SARS, you should register with the Compensation Fund (COID registration) to ensure that your employees are covered for worker’s compensation in case of an injury, at work. With Company Partners you get fast COIDA Registration in one week!

It’s important to provide all the necessary information for PSIRA registration:

  • Evidence of company registration.
  • The business strategy of the company.
  • Tax clearance document.
After your security company registration we help with your marketing services

PSIRA registration costs can differ depending on the company’s scale and focus. Company Partner can also assist with your PSiRA registration and PSiRA Certified Grade E – A Security Training Courses.

What licenses and certifications should you have to start a security company?

Once you’ve finished the registration process for your security company, you’ll have to obtain licenses tailored to the type of services you offer. This could vary from general guarding services to response units or advanced security solutions.

Different kinds of licenses you’ll need:

  • If you intend to hire security guards for your establishment, they all need to go through training and get certified by PSiRA as well.
  • Having a firearm license is essential for companies that provide response services.
Licenses required for registration of security company

What are the operational needs of a security company in South Africa?

After completing the registration and obtaining the licenses, for your business operations to commence smoothly is essential; the next crucial step is to establish a skilled team and cultivate a recognisable brand identity, for your company’s success. This would include outfits uniformed to the company’s standards, communication gadgets, and vehicles for operations. You’ll also need an equipped office space, crucial for overseeing tasks and ensuring coordination, among team members.

How to establish a strong brand for your security firm?

Standing out in a market is crucial, for success; create a logo and build a polished website to highlight your offerings effectively. When creating a website design, ensure that your website is easy to navigate for users and optimised for devices. Include elements such, as testimonials from customers a contact form, for inquiries and a blog offering security enhancement tips to keep users engaged.

How to register a security company with Psira made easy with us

Company Partners provide a full suite of marketing services to get you off to a running start.

How do you reel in your clients for your security company?

Now that your security firm is operational and running smoothly, with a great brand you will have to focus on drawing in clients by building connections, with businesses, residential neighbourhoods and government organisations that might need your expertise and services. One effective method to expand your security business is by participating in government contract bidding processes. Various government agencies often subcontract security services. Having a registered and compliant company can provide the competitive advantage necessary to win these contracts.

Need Assistance with Registering your Company?

Company Partners can register your security company to be able to apply for tenders and contracts starting from as little as R880!
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Registration of security company can be very fullfilling

PSIRA registration costs can differ depending on the company’s scale and focus. Company Partner can also assist with your PSiRA registration and PSiRA Certified Grade E – A Security Training Courses.

How much does it cost to start a security company in South Africa?

It’s important to stay on top of your finances to stay in control of your business operations effectively from the start. These are the primary expenses associated with private security companies:

  • Labour costs include salary and perks for security staff.
  • Cost of equipment, including trucks, uniforms, and security technology.
  • Insurance and marketing expenses.
We guide you on the cost of security company registration

For any business to succeed and make profits, it’s crucial to manage expenses while delivering top-notch service quality; this will directly impact your line positively. The initial capital outlay for starting a security company can range from R20,000 to R150,000, depending on your scale and service offerings. However, the potential returns can be substantial, particularly when securing contracts. As your business expands, you should think about ways to grow, such as offering additional services, or adopting new technology, or even buying smaller security companies.

The only question left is: Are you prepared to take a leap of faith and sacrifice time and resources to launch your own security business?

The truth is, establishing a security firm in South Africa requires a lot of commitment of time and resources; however, it has the potential to be a fulfilling venture with the proper strategy in place. From initial setup to expansion, you’ll be able to offer crucial services in a continually expanding industry.

What our clients say

Renier Uys, the Managing Director of Elisheba Security and Cleaning Services, signed up for more than 20 of our services, and within two months Renier’s business was up and running with all the necessary elements:

“I don’t think I would have been up and running by now if it wasn’t for Company Partners. PSIRA won’t even look at your papers if they’re not 100% right and it can take months to get it right. Company partners helped me register my company at the CIPC, with PSIRA, they helped me get my BEE certificates and all the other paperwork that’s required,” Renier Uys. Read more about Renier’s journey.

At Company Partners, we focus on assisting budding business owners in kickstarting and expanding their ventures effortlessly. With our proficiency in registering companies and handling PSIRA applications and compliance matters efficiently, you can dedicate your efforts to building a thriving enterprise while we manage the details for you. We have assisted more than 50,000 clients since 2006, so get in touch with us today to begin the journey towards your business goals.

Register your Security Company with Company Partners, speak to a specialist for free.

Contact us today!

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