06 Dec 2020

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, has told Parliament that the Private Security Services Licensing Board (PSSLB) exists as established under Section 3 (1) of the Private Security Services Act of 2015.

Mr Mmusi said the board comprised 11 members as prescribed by Section 3 (2) of the act, three government representatives, two representatives of the Security Association of Botswana, two representatives from the private sector, two representatives of Security Officers Association of Botswana and two members of the public.

He further noted that in July this year, his ministry appointed a new chairperson following expiration of the tenure of the previous chairperson in November 2019.

“Furthermore, the board held its inaugural meeting on August 21, 2020 whilst three regular Board meetings were held on 21st August, 14th October and 18th November 2020,” he explained.

Mr Mmusi said the board was working round the clock to facilitate implementation of new functions provided for in the Act and as such held extraordinary meetings on 11th September and 25th November 2020.

The minister explained that the last Board meeting was held on 25th November 2020 with the next Board meeting scheduled for the third week of January 2021.

On why his Ministry had not appointed the Board and when he intended to appoint such; Mr Mmusi said the tenure of four Board members expired on 30th November while the processes for their replacement had already begun.

“I can confirm that the two security associations submitted names of their candidates and the process of appointing them to the Board is at an advanced stage. Business Botswana is yet to submit a name of its second representative,” he said.

The Maun East Legislator, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, had wanted clarity on the number of members for the Private Security Services Licensing Board and when they last met. 

He also wanted to know whether Business Botswana and Security Association had submitted their nominees. Ends