SAB Elective AGM On The Cards
Maureen Odubeng | Monday November 26, 2018 14:54
SAB chairperson and also director of Naynax Security, Gaolatwe Modongo, told The Monitor that they have invited different stakeholders.
They include Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB), Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Botswana Revenue Service (BURS), Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security and Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) amongst others.
He said the association decided to involve different stakeholders to accord members the opportunity to get first hand information on a variety of issues related to their line of operation. “We have invited PPADB, to come and talk about procurement issues, so this will be the chance for members to face PPADB and ask relevant questions,” he said.
He explained that the association has been working tirelessly to try and get the government to implement a minimum rate for security services, but nothing has been done up to now.
He said while security is an active sector in the economy,
creating many jobs, the government seems to be dragging its feet when it comes to formulating proper regulations, which will ensure that security companies offer world class services.
“Currently we don’t have regulations and it’s quite a mess,” he said.
Modongo explained that the need for regulations cannot be overemphasised, as the lack of has created many challenges, which include mushrooming of fly-by-night security companies that provide sub-standard services and in the process tarnishing the name of the sector.
“When something goes wrong, people will say security companies, and that stands to build mistrust in security companies,” he said.
He said government needs to put regulations in place, which, while firm, will not impede on creating a conducive environment for security companies to operate profitably.
Modongo emphasised the need for the government to consult with the association and different stakeholders to ensure that the regulations protect both the service providers and seekers.
He said the association has long proposed a minimum rate for security companies, but so far the suggested rate has not been implemented. He explained that this creates challenges for the sector, and also encourages exploitation.
Modongo added that due to lack of minimum rates, some security companies out of desperation for jobs or lack of knowledge end up offering low rates when tendering, which ends up making it difficult for them to provide up to standard service.
He said this also has a negative bearing on staff salaries, as it is either those companies will pay very low salaries, or fail to pay their employees on time. He said services provided by security companies are vital, as they protect people’s property, as well as secure company premises to ensure that they do not fall prey to burglars, and other factors that might jeopardise the security of their valuables, hence the need to ensure that due diligence is exercised when engaging a security company.
He cautioned home owners to do their research when engaging security companies, explaining that with the festive season is fast approaching, many security companies which have been dormant resurface, some of which do so with the intent to rob people of their valuables.
He said individuals who would like to involve security companies to look after their homes for the holidays should ensure that they do thorough research, and hire reputable companies.