02 Sep 2020

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi says issuance of security licenses was not suspended during the lockdown period when services across government were temporarily halted.

Mr Mmusi said this when responding to a question that was asked by Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi.

He said to date the ministry issued out 163 licenses and in order to comply with COVID-19 protocols, customers that successfully underwent security vetting were called at different times to collect their licenses as a way to adjust to the new normal. Mr Mmusi further said he was aware that a valid license was a requirement for the purpose of tendering.

He said the issuance of a private security license involved extensive security vetting of applicants and companies including shareholders.

He also said considering the prolonged process of security vetting in some instances, it might take longer to issue a license as due diligence was critical and carrying out security checks should not be compromised. Mr Moatlhodi had asked the minister to confirm whether the issuance of security licenses had been suspended since June.

He had also asked if the minister was aware that security licenses were a requirement when processing tenders and as such the delay in issuance of such disadvantaged prospective clients. Further. Ends