In a growing rift within the government of national unity, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has vehemently opposed draft regulations affecting South Africa’s private security industry, published by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The newly gazetted regulations, which aim to amend the Private Security Industry Regulations, include stricter rules on firearm use, a ban on certain weapons, and mandatory annual mental health evaluations for security officers.
The DA is urging the public to speak out against these proposals before the submission deadline on 25 April, framing the regulations as excessive government interference that could undermine community safety. Ian Cameron, the DA’s spokesperson and chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, stated: “The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority’s recently published draft regulations will make it harder for private security companies to keep communities safe and must be opposed.”
Since their publication, the draft regulations have attracted significant criticism. They stipulate 21 conditions under which security firms can issue firearms to their officers, including restrictions against arming personnel at locations such as taxi ranks, cemeteries, and shopping malls, unless certain conditions are satisfied. This stipulation is part of a broader push to eliminate the potential for armed violence in public spaces.
Further complicating matters, the proposed rules also ban the use of tasers, tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and other crowd-control measures unless there is an explicit public interest justification included in a risk assessment submitted to PSIRA, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. These changes have led many, including the Action Society, to express concerns that they could jeopardise critical functions in safeguarding communities, particularly amid rising incidences of gender-based violence.
Critics warn that the draft regulations could burden security companies with excessive administrative requirements and increased costs, potentially destabilising a sector already under strain. Gideon Joubert from the South African Gun Owners’ Association outlined several flaws in the legislation, arguing that such measures could weaken the industry and undermine public safety rather than enhance it.
In a defence of the proposals, PSIRA’s head, Manabela Chauke, asserted that the amendments are designed to “protect society” and enforce necessary risk evaluations for security personnel. However, with many private security firms already acting as essential partners in the fight against crime, according to the DA, the legislative path forward remains contentious.
This lively debate is emblematic of broader tensions within South Africa’s political landscape, particularly between partners in the government of national unity, as differing views on public safety and security policies come to the fore.