What kind of security business can I start?
- Guarding: placing officers at sites such as offices, estates, schools and construction sites
- Armed response: responding to alarms, which needs vehicles, control rooms and firearm compliance
- Event security: crowd control at concerts, sports and private events
- Electronic security: installing alarms, CCTV, access control and electric fencing
- Monitoring and consulting: control rooms, risk assessments and training
Each type has different compliance needs. Electronic installers who only install equipment may face different requirements from guarding companies, so confirm with PSIRA which apply to your services.
How do I start a security company in South Africa?
- Choose your services and the area you will serve
- Register a private company with CIPC and register for tax with SARS
- Make sure directors and officers meet PSIRA's requirements and are registered
- Register the business with PSIRA
- Register with UIF and COIDA, and set up payroll that follows the sector's wage rules
- Get uniforms, communication equipment, insurance and, if needed, compliant firearm licences
- Register on CSD, prepare a company profile and start approaching clients
What is PSIRA and who must register?
PSIRA regulates the private security industry under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act. Anyone who provides a security service for reward must be registered: the business itself, every security officer, and the people who manage or control the business, such as directors. Officers must complete accredited training for their grade before they register.
What do I need to register a security business with PSIRA?
Requirements are set by PSIRA and can change, so check the current list before applying. Typically you need:
- Company registration documents and the directors' details
- PSIRA registration of the directors and of the people managing the business
- Proof of business premises and infrastructure suited to your services
- Tax compliance and other supporting documents PSIRA requests
- Payment of the registration and annual fees
What labour rules apply to security companies?
The private security sector has its own minimum wages and conditions of employment, set through sector-specific agreements and determinations that can be higher than the national minimum wage. These rules cover pay, overtime, night shifts and allowances. Build them into your prices from day one, because underpaying officers can lead to claims, PSIRA action and lost contracts. Register for UIF and COIDA as an employer; security has a higher risk rating for COIDA. See COIDA registration.
Do I need firearm licences?
Only if your officers will carry firearms. The business must comply with the Firearms Control Act: the business needs the correct firearm licences, officers need competency certificates, and firearms must be stored and controlled properly. This takes time and costs money, so many new companies start with unarmed guarding.
How much does it cost to start a security company?
| Cost item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Registrations | CIPC, PSIRA business and individual registrations, annual fees |
| Training | Accredited training for officers at the required grades |
| Uniforms and equipment | Uniforms, radios or phones, torches, batons, two-way communication |
| Vehicles | Supervisor and response vehicles where needed |
| Insurance | Public liability and other cover clients ask for |
| Payroll buffer | At least one month of wages before the first client pays |
How do I price security contracts?
Price per officer per shift from the full cost of each officer under the sector's wage rules: wages, overtime, night and public-holiday premiums, UIF, COIDA, leave cover, uniforms, supervision, transport and administration, then add your margin. Don't undercut the legal wage costs; buyers and PSIRA check. See how to price your services.
How do I find security clients?
| Customer type | How to reach them |
|---|---|
| Residential estates and body corporates | Company profile, references, site risk assessment |
| Businesses and retail | Approach managers with a tailored proposal |
| Construction sites | Partner with contractors for site security |
| Events | Relationships with event organisers and venues |
| Government and schools | CSD registration and tenders |
How do I get government security tenders?
Government buys guarding services through tenders that check PSIRA registration, wage compliance, COIDA, tax status and experience closely. Register on CSD, keep every document current, and price according to the sector's wage rules. See how to get government tenders.
What are the common mistakes?
- Pricing below the legal wage cost to win a contract
- Using officers whose PSIRA registration has lapsed
- Starting armed services before firearm compliance is complete
- Not paying PSIRA annual fees on time
- No cash buffer for the first month's wages
How can Uminathi help?
You can do these steps yourself. Uminathi can register your company and handle tax, CSD, COIDA and B-BBEE paperwork, and prepare your company profile and tender documents. PSIRA registration is done with PSIRA directly.
Step by step
- Choose your services. Decide on guarding, response, events or electronic security, and your area.
- Register your company and tax. Register a private company with CIPC and register with SARS.
- Register people with PSIRA. Make sure directors and officers are trained and registered with PSIRA.
- Register the business with PSIRA. Apply for business registration and pay the required fees.
- Set up as an employer. Register for UIF and COIDA and set up payroll according to the sector's wage rules.
- Equip and insure. Get uniforms, communication, vehicles and insurance; arrange firearm compliance only if needed.
- Win clients. Register on CSD, prepare a company profile and approach estates, businesses and government.