Security Industry in South Africa

Job Opportunities and Salaries

Security Industry in South Africa
The South African Embassy in the Netherlands writes “The South African security industry has been in existence for many decades and is one of the most sophisticated in the world. The South African security industry increased by an annual 30% in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and the current growth rate is estimated to be at 15%. Whilst the security market itself comprises of many segments, the South African industry today can justifiably be said to consist of 4 key technology segments: •Access control. •CCTV surveillance. •Intrusion detection and alarms. •Fire protection.
Other important and competitive sectors include asset tagging (primarily in the retails sector), physical and perimeter security, vehicle security and IT security. According to latest statistics, the overall security industry in South Africa -commercial, industry and domestic- is estimated to be worth an annual turnover of US$6-billion. The country has some 300000 registered security officers and 4500 registered businesses. In this regard, the percentage of security income turnover to gross domestic product is said to be one of the highest in the world. Originally mainly an importer of security products, South Africa is now a vibrant exporter of security services and products; i.e.: riot gear, electrified fencing, razor wire fencing, traffic barriers, electronic access control systems, remotes, outdoor beams, radio transmission systems, security uniforms and footwear, alarm control software, safes, bullet resistant doors and screening, fire resistant safes and cabinets, vaults and doors, access control booths, access control panels, security seals, and two way radio equipment. The industry has also recently seen the emergence of inventors who have produced a wide range of access control systems that continue to rejuvenate the industry. Given the above backdrop, it is clear that the security industry in South Africa is poised for growth due to opportunities presented by the local market, which have translated into competitiveness at an international level” (available at http://www.southafrica.nl/security-industry).