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

By Kabelo Molefe

As we enter the 2026 procurement cycle, Security contractors in Gauteng must be aware of the stringent training requirements imposed by the Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Act (PSIRA) on guards deployed on government contracts. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences, including contract cancellations and reputational damage. In this article, we will delve into the legislative framework governing PSIRA training requirements, the verification process procurement officers use, and the exact documents required at each stage.

The Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework governing PSIRA training requirements is rooted in the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The PSIRA Act requires all private security service providers to register with PSIRA and to ensure that all security personnel working for them are registered and undergo regular training and evaluation.

In Gauteng, the regulatory bodies governing the security industry include the Gauteng Provincial Government's Department of Community Safety (CSD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The CSD is responsible for regulating and monitoring the private security industry in Gauteng, while the SAPS provides guidance and support to the industry.

What Security Suppliers in Gauteng Must Have in Place

To operate in the Gauteng security industry, suppliers must have the following documentation and registrations in place:

• PSIRA Registration: All security companies and guards must be registered with PSIRA. The issuing body is PSIRA, and the official portal URL is www.psira.co.za
  . The validity period for PSIRA registration is 3 years, and a company's registration lapses if it is not renewed within the stipulated time frame.
• CSD Registration: All security companies operating in Gauteng must be registered with the CSD. The issuing body is the CSD, and the official portal URL is www.gauteng.gov.za
  .
• BBBEE Certification: All security companies must submit a BBBEE affidavit to the CSD, which must be verified by the National Treasury. The issuing body is the National Treasury, and the official portal URL is www.treasury.gov.za
  .
• SARS TCS Registration: All security companies must be registered with SARS for Tax Compliance Status (TCS). The issuing body is SARS, and the official portal URL is www.sars.gov.za
  .
• COIDA Letter of Good Standing: All security companies must submit a letter of good standing from the Compensation Fund to the CSD. The issuing body is the Compensation Fund, and the official portal URL is www.coida.co.za
  .

Step-by-Step Compliance Approach

To ensure compliance with PSIRA training requirements, Security suppliers in Gauteng must follow these steps:

1. Verify PSIRA Registration: Verify that the company and all deployed guards have current PSIRA certificates. A single expired guard certificate can void the entire contract. Verify at www.psira.co.za
   before submitting.
2. Register with CSD: Register the company with the CSD and obtain a registration certificate.
3. Submit BBBEE Affidavit: Submit a BBBEE affidavit to the CSD, which must be verified by the National Treasury.
4. Register with SARS TCS: Register the company with SARS for Tax Compliance Status (TCS).
5. Obtain COIDA Letter of Good Standing: Obtain a letter of good standing from the Compensation Fund and submit it to the CSD.

The Most Common Compliance Failures

Security submissions are often rejected due to the following compliance failures:

• SBD Form Errors: Incomplete or incorrect SBD forms can cause submissions to be rejected.
• BBBEE Affidavit Rules: Failure to submit a verified BBBEE affidavit can result in rejection.
• CSD Verification: Failure to verify CSD registration or submission of incorrect documents can cause rejection.
• Compulsory Briefing Session Requirements: Failure to attend or participate in compulsory briefing sessions can result in rejection.

2026 Context: What Security Suppliers Should Focus On

In 2026, government priorities and regulatory direction most relevant to Security suppliers in Gauteng include:

• PSIRA Training Requirements: The focus on PSIRA training requirements is expected to intensify, with increased emphasis on regular training and evaluation of security personnel.
• CSD Regulations: The CSD is expected to implement new regulations governing the security industry in Gauteng, including stricter requirements for registration and compliance.

How Tenders-SA.org Helps

Tenders-SA.org provides the following services to help Security suppliers in Gauteng:

• AI Matching for Security Opportunities: Our AI-powered matching system aligns security opportunities with your compliance profile, ensuring that you only receive tenders that match your capabilities and credentials.
• Company Profile Builder: Our Company Profile Builder captures your PSIRA registration, CSD registration, BBBEE certification, SARS TCS registration, and COIDA letter of good standing, ensuring that you can easily submit compliant tenders.
• Tender Alerts: We provide real-time tender alerts, ensuring that you stay informed about new tender opportunities and can plan your procurement strategy accordingly.

Browse Security tenders

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