13 Feb 2017

Private security services companies that fail to comply with an order for wages would have their licences cancelled.
This was said by the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi in Parliament on Thursday.
Minister Kgathi said Control of Security Guards Act empowers the controller to cancel a licence if he or she is satisfied that a licence holder has failed to pay a judgement against him or her for damages arising out of his or her omission.
 “This means that the controller may cancel the licence of any security service company where there is a court order against that company for failing to pay an employee,” he said.Minister Kgathi further mentioned his ministry’s role with respect to private security companies as to licence and ensure standards and compliance to the provisions of the Private Security Services Act.
He informed Parliament that the Act does not include employment issues, adding that therefore disputes between employer and the employee are matters for the Commissioner of Labour under the Employment Act.
He however pointed out that on receipt of complaints by the controller relating to non-payment of salaries from employees or any other interested party, the matter is then referred to the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development for resolution within the framework of the Employment Act. In addition, Minister Kgathi further said should an order for wages be issued and the employer fail to comply with the order, he would be liable for possible cancellation of the licence in accordance with Section 11(a) of the Control of Security Guards Act (CAP21:07) read with section 145(a) of the Employment Act (CAP 47:01).
Member of Parliament for Ramotswa, Mr Samuel Rantuana had wanted to know from the minister what action is being taken against security companies that do not pay their employees on time.ENDS