Compare Security Guard prices

 

Security guards perform an important function in Johannesburg, keeping you, your family and your property safe. How much should you be paying for security guards in 2019? How can you get a better price for security guards?

What is the lowest that you can pay for a security guard service in Johannesburg?

The absolute lowest that you can pay for a legal and compliant security company to provide a 24 hour, 7 days a week security service in Johannesburg is:

R26 174 per month per security guard

The full calculations are given below. Even at hte absolute minimum, it is prudent to pay more because it is a benefit to use a security company that is not going to go bankrupt after a few months.

How can you reduce the monthly cost of a security guard?

A security guard performs a number of duties. By automating certain duties, you can reduce the number of security guards that you require, or reduce the grade of security guard that you need. With automation, you can also reduce other costs while increasing your safety.

Security Guard Duty/ function	alternatives
Detect the presence of an intruder	PIR sensors, CCTV motion detection, IR Beams, dogs, electric fence alarms, tripwires, Sublethal Remote Guns
Patrols	Sublethal Remote Guns, dogs in tenants' properties
Fight off an intruder	Sublethal Remote Guns, pepper spray dispensers, fogging
Access control	intercom linked to cellphone, intercom, CCTV camera with licence plate recognition, intercoms with guest entry/exit codes
Alert armed response	panic buttons, cellphone apps,
Directing traffic	signboards with directions
Investigate disturbances	armed response, Sublethal Remote Guns

Security guard minimum wage

From 1 November 2018 the Department of Labour has stipulated a minimum wage for security guards in the Government Gazette for the following areas near Johannesburg: Alberton, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Germiston, Inanda, Johannesburg CBD, Kempton Park, Krugersdorp, Randburg, Randfontein, Roodepoort, Springs, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Westonaria and Wynberg.

Grade of security officer	Monthly Salary	Description of typical duties
Grade A security officer	R5558	site manager
Grade B security officer	R4981	access control to high risk areas with computer skills, shift commander
Grade C security officer	R4377	access control to high risk areas
Grade D security officer	R4377	access control and patrol officer
Grade E security officer	R4377	access control to medium and low risk areas

A security officer can work a maximum of 48 hours in a week, which is 4 shifts of 12 hours per week. A 12 hour shift is the security industry standard for security guards, with the shifts usually starting at 6.00 and 18.00 to facilitate transport.

How many security guards do you need for a 24 hour, 7 day a week security guard service?

The industry standard is 12 hour shifts. To have one security guard 24/7 you therefore need 14 shifts per week. One security guard is only allowed to work 4 shifts per week by law (South African Department of Labour). This means that a minimum of 4 security guards are needed.

4 security guards x R4377pm = R17 508 per month excluding overheads

The security overhead costs for a 24/7 security service includes:

• management of the security guards
  
• payroll
  
• annual leave
  
• security guard replacements for sick leave
  
• regulatory fees
  
• transportation costs, it is common for transportation to be provided if the client location is far from taxi routes or if the client wants a more reliable services
  
• additional pay for public holidays
  
• training
  
• investigations
  
• public liability insurance
  
• bonuses

There is a lot of work that goes into a 24 hour security service and security companies need to charge at least 30% more than the security guard salaries just to cover their costs.

R17 508 + 30% = R22 760 per month excl VAT

VAT is applicable on security guarding services at 15%

R22 760 + 15% VAT = R26 174 per month

 

Comparison of Security company quotes in Johannesburg for 2019

To give a comparison of security company quotes we have got quotes from security companies for the same service, in the same area. Note that a difference in price does not necessarily mean that one security company is better or worse, as every security company operates differently and may have many value added services included in their 24 hour guarding service such as investigations, patrols, security guard training,etc.

 

What are the requirements for a 24 hour security service officer?

A security guard in South Africa must register with PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority). PSIRA requires the following to consider a security guard application:

• Pay the application fee
  
• Permanent resident in South Africa
  
• Not have a criminal record
  
• Completed security training
  
• Must possess a clearance certificate for previous military or intelligence service
  
• Must be over 18 years of age on application

Note that if a security guard is registered with PSIRA and commits a crime AFTER registration, then it is possible that PSIRA does not have a record of the crime. It is therefore important that the security company obtains regular police clearance certificates on all its guards.

Security guard training costs

The prices for security guard training varies widely. For 2019 a security guard course costs approximately:

Grade C,D,E security guard	R1200
Grade B security guard (supervisor)	R1100
Grade A security guard (manager)	R1100
Handgun course	R1300
Shotgun Course	R1300
Basic first aid	R700
Basic fire fighting	R700
Cash in transit course	R1200
Armed reaction officer	R1200

 

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This page was last updated on 18 May 2020.