Revenue Opportunities for Residents Associations

Many Local Community Organizations (LCOs) and Residents’ Associations (RAs) were initially established to address crime concerns. Over time, they have developed various models to fund not only security initiatives but also broader efforts like preventing urban decay. Employing full-time dedicated staff is the most sustainable approach, ensuring both continuity and reliable funding. Here are several models to consider:

1. Partner with a Registered Security Provider
   Recommend a registered security company for your suburb and include an additional fee on monthly armed response bills, allocated to the RA.
2. Establish and Manage a Security Company
   Register and operate a security company to service your HOA or LCO, reinvesting profits into the association’s initiatives.
3. Develop a Subscription-Based Security Management System
   Create a security-focused management system with a subscription fee to support the RA alongside other community security providers.
4. Implement a Voluntary Block Watch or Patrol System
   Organize a neighborhood block watch or patroller system funded through sponsorships or donations.
5. Create a Special Rating Area (SRA)
   Establish an SRA following your municipality’s policy, generating funds for RA projects through additional property rates.

Each model offers unique advantages, enabling RAs to sustain and expand their community-focused efforts.

The red tape and requirements of security initiatives

Private security and their operations are governed and overseen by various legislation. Make sure your provider or registered initiative is compliant with the following:

• Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA)
• PSiRA amendment Act 2014
• PSiRA Regulations and code of conduct
• SARS employer registration
• COID registration
• Workplace compensation fund
• Security Officer requirements
• VAT registration
• CIPC registration

There are various security organisations you can join that will help you stay up to date on industry standards, products and developments in the security industry. It’s not compulsory to join; however, it increases the credibility of your business when you do. Here are a few that might be helpful:

• SASA – Security Association of South Africa
• SASSETA – Safety & Security Sector Education & Training Authority
• SANSEA – South African National Security Employers Association
• SAIDSA – South African Intruder Detection Services Association (specifically for alarm monitoring and armed response services)
• ESDA – Electronic Security Distributors Association (This specifically for electronic security equipment)

Community responsibilities and limitations 

Security companies cannot follow-up on and be proactive about community safety if cases are not reported and have SAPS case numbers. Regardless of how seemingly small an incident may seem, it is important to open cases at your local police station. Connecting suspects to multiple cases can ensure they are prosecuted and resources are allocated proportionally to your precinct.

Freedom of movement and association are enshrined in the constitution. Proactive security and reporting suspicious behaviour are important but stopping, searching, abusing or assaulting individuals because of their appearance is illegal. Reasonable and humane treatment of all people including displaced persons or the unhoused is a responsibility of all security minded organisations.

Security groups have closed platforms that they can report or alert each other to criminal activity or suspects in their footprint. However, the public publishing of suspect images is discouraged as it could compromise criminal cases and add prejudice to any reports.

Monitored License Plate Recognition cameras can be a first alert of suspect vehicles in an area and monitor the progress of suspect cars in or out of a suburb. However, many criminals have the ability to change out plates so full vehicle and detailed suspect descriptions are necessary to apprehend criminals. Pay attention to details such as colour, model and dents or stickers on vehicles and precise clothing or scars on suspects.

Under section 76 of the Summary Offences Act 1953, a person who is the owner or occupier of property, or their agent such as private security employees, may apprehend a person who they find committing an offence on or with respect to that property and deliver them into the custody of police. The police are the only authority that can process or charge an individual. Be careful not to disturb a scene or any implements in the suspects possession. However, these individuals may be armed and dangerous so alerting trained organisations or individuals in strongly recommended.