Private security regulators say new laws, due to take effect early next year, will govern the hiring and dress code of private security. The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) was represented at a Right2Know Campaign panel discussion around the conduct of private security on university campuses. Students who were present complained about being victimised and not being able to identify private security personnel. At the University of Cape Town, private security personnel were dressed in grey and black camouflage uniforms.
At Stellenbosch, they are called “the men in black” because of their uniforms. Students have complained that the private security dress code is too ‘militaristic’.
PSiRA’s Stefan Badenhorst says this is all set to change. The only reason we believe they do that, is to deceive the public to think they have a power which they do not have. We are hoping to bring out legislation early next year, in terms of dress code.”
He says private security should not be involved in protest-related crowd management.
