PSIRA Training Requirements: Minimum Standards for Guards Deployed on Government Contracts — April 2026 Update

By Kabelo Molefe

As a leading provider of security services to government institutions in Gauteng, it is crucial to ensure that your company and deployed guards meet the minimum training and registration standards set by the Private Security Industry Regulation Authority (PSIRA). Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the rejection of your tender submission, invalidation of your contract, or even prosecution. In this article, we will explore the importance of PSIRA registration and training requirements for security guards deployed on government contracts in Gauteng, and provide practical guidance on how to ensure compliance.

The Regulatory Framework

The Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA Act) of 2001 governs the private security industry in South Africa, including the registration and training of security guards. The Act requires that all security service providers register with PSIRA and ensure that their guards possess the required qualifications and undergo regular training. Additionally, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) regulate the procurement of goods and services by government institutions, including the security services sector.

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Act of 2000 also applies to the security services sector, as it regulates the construction industry and provides guidelines for the registration and grading of contractors. While the CIDB Act may not directly apply to security services, it provides a framework for the registration and grading of service providers. Furthermore, the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act of 2003 promotes economic empowerment and requires businesses to comply with BBBEE legislation.

What Security Suppliers in Gauteng Must Have in Place

To ensure compliance with the regulatory framework, security suppliers in Gauteng must have the following in place:

PSIRA Registration

• All security service providers must register with PSIRA, which includes obtaining a unique registration number.
• Guards must register with PSIRA and obtain a Grade A, B, or C qualification, depending on their level of competence.
• PSIRA registration must be current for both the company and every deployed guard.
• Verify PSIRA certificates at psira.co.za
  before submitting your tender.

CSD Registration

• Security service providers must register with the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to be eligible for government contracts.
• The CSD is a database of registered suppliers that provides a platform for government institutions to select and manage their suppliers.

BBBEE Compliance

• Security service providers must comply with BBBEE legislation, which includes submitting an affidavit to verify their BBBEE credentials.
• The affidavit must be submitted as part of the tender submission process.

SARS TCS Registration

• Security service providers must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for Tax Compliance Status (TCS) verification.
• TCS verification ensures that the supplier is compliant with tax legislation and regulations.

COIDA Letter of Good Standing

• Security service providers must have a letter of good standing from the Compensation Fund (COIDA) to ensure that they have the necessary insurance cover for their employees.

Step-by-Step Compliance Approach

To ensure compliance with the regulatory framework, follow these step-by-step guidelines:

1. Verify PSIRA certificates: Check the current status of your PSIRA registration and that of your deployed guards at psira.co.za
   before submitting your tender.
2. Register with CSD: Ensure that your company is registered with the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to be eligible for government contracts.
3. Submit BBBEE affidavit: Submit a BBBEE affidavit as part of your tender submission process to verify your BBBEE credentials.
4. Register with SARS TCS: Register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for Tax Compliance Status (TCS) verification to ensure compliance with tax legislation and regulations.
5. Obtain COIDA letter of good standing: Ensure that you have a letter of good standing from the Compensation Fund (COIDA) to confirm that you have the necessary insurance cover for your employees.

The Most Common Compliance Failures

The most common compliance failures in the security services sector include:

• Expired PSIRA certificates: A single expired guard certificate can void the entire contract.
• Incomplete or inaccurate SBD forms: Ensure that your Standardized Business Document (SBD) forms are complete and accurate to avoid rejection of your tender submission.
• Non-compliance with BBBEE affidavit rules: Ensure that your BBBEE affidavit is submitted as part of your tender submission process and that it meets the required criteria.
• Inadequate CSD verification: Ensure that your company is registered with the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and that your registration is up-to-date.

2026 Context: What Security Suppliers Should Focus On

In 2026, the government prioritizes the development of the security services sector, with a focus on improving the skills and competencies of security guards. The regulatory framework will continue to emphasize the importance of PSIRA registration and training requirements for security guards deployed on government contracts.

Security suppliers in Gauteng should focus on ensuring that their company and deployed guards meet the minimum training and registration standards set by PSIRA. This includes verifying PSIRA certificates, registering with CSD, submitting BBBEE affidavits, registering with SARS TCS, and obtaining a COIDA letter of good standing.

How Tenders-SA.org Helps

At Tenders-SA.org, we provide a range of services to support security suppliers in Gauteng in their compliance journey. Our services include:

• AI matching for Security opportunities: Our AI-powered matching system matches your company's compliance profile with relevant Security tenders.
• Company Profile Builder: Our Company Profile Builder captures your PSIRA registration (company and all guards) and other relevant compliance information.
• Tender Alerts: Our Tender Alerts service keeps you informed about upcoming Security tenders that match your compliance profile.

Browse Security tenders here

ICT & Smart City Analyst specializing in digital transformation and security technology for South African municipalities.