16 Jul 2015

Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed concern about some private security companies that delay payments of their employees.

Debating the Private Security Services Bill, MPs said the norm was rampant among many private security companies and something needed to be done.

The Bill which was presented by Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi seeks to repeal and re-enact with amendments, the Control of Security Guard Services Act (CAP 21:07).

Molepolole South MP, Mr Tlamelo Mmatli said the Bill should be clear on what action would be taken against those companies that pay their officers late.

Mr Mmatli also noted that private security services locally was a lucrative business, hence the need to reserve it for citizens when it comes to issuance of licenses, adding that would empower Batswana economically.

On the other hand, Tonota MP, Mr Thapelo Olopeng said the payment processes concerning private security companies needed improvement, adding that at some instances company owners get paid late themselves, which would then mean delayed payments for the employees.

Mr Olopeng, also Minister of Youth Sport and Culture (MYSC) said there should be a reservation for the youth in the private security services business, stating that 100 percent of the companies should be owned by Batswana and at least 30 percent of this should be the youth.

Further, Mr Olopeng noted that when it came to funding businesses, the MYSC had taken a decision that no aspiring entrepreneur would be turned down on grounds that a certain business market was saturated, stating that the business proposal was the one to decide.

The minister also supported a clause in the Bill that provided for grading of private security companies and training of officers, saying academies that train security personnel should be established as that would mean improved and quality services.

Meanwhile, MP for Gabane/Mankgodi, Maj. Gen. Pius Mokgware was worried about the high number of private security companies in Botswana that were managed by foreigners.
Maj. Gen. Mokgware warned that it had to be understood that security had evolved over the years and that private security was every nation’s first line of defense, hence the need for security companies to be owned by Batswana.

He said it was very dangerous to have a local security company led by a foreigner as that could be a jeopardy to the security of the nation.

He was also not happy with the current state of private security companies, where there was no structure, suggesting that there should be a line of progression, hence the need for grading those companies.

The MP further said conditions of service in the industry should be improved and security guards should have pension wages, insurance, medical aid and raised salaries.

Mahalapye MP, Mr Joseph Molefhe was also disturbed by issue of foreigners leading security companies in the country.

Mr Molefhe however said with the amendments to the Bill, it would mean local private security companies would comply with law and regulations in the private security services industry. ENDS