HOW MUCH DOES A SECURITY GUARD IN SOUTH AFRICA COST?

How much does a security guard in South Africa cost?

Security guards play a vital role in protecting people and property in South Africa.

They are employed by a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, hospitals, and government agencies.

The cost of hiring a security guard varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of guard, the location, the number of hours worked, and the security company.

Types of security guards in South Africa

There are a number of different types of security guards in South Africa.

The most common are:

• Unarmed guards: These guards are not permitted to carry firearms. They are typically used for access control, patrolling, and monitoring.
• Armed guards: These guards are permitted to carry firearms. They are typically used for high-risk environments, such as cash-in-transit vehicles and jewelry stores.
• Supervisors: Supervisors oversee the work of other security guards. They are typically responsible for scheduling, training, and discipline.
• Dog handlers: Dog handlers work with trained dogs to provide security. Dogs can be used for a variety of tasks, such as sniffing out explosives or drugs, deterring intruders, and tracking suspects.
• Electronic security guards: These guards use electronic equipment, such as CCTV cameras and intrusion detection systems, to monitor and protect property.

Rates for different types of security guards

The rates for security guards vary depending on the class of guard, the location, and the security company.

You can expect to pay the following rates:

Guard Class	Hourly Rate	24-Hour Rate	Monthly Rate
Unarmed	R100 – R150	R2 400 – R3 600	R64 800 – R97 200
Armed	R120 – R180	R2 880 – R4 320	R77 760 – R116 640
Supervisor	R150 – R200	R3 600 – R4 800	R97 200 – R129 600
Dog Handler	R200 – R250	R4 800 – R6000	R129 600 – R161 280
Electronic Security Guard	R120 – R150	R2 880 – R3 600	R77 760 – R97 200

Please note that these are just estimates provided as general information. The actual rates may vary widely depending on the specific circumstances.

Factors that affect the cost of security guards

In addition to the class of guard, the location, and the security company, there are a number of other factors that can affect the cost of security guards.

These include:

• The number of hours worked. Security guards are typically paid by the hour. The more hours they work, the more they will cost.
• The type of environment the guard will be working in. Security guards who work in high-risk environments, such as cash-in-transit vehicles or jewelry stores, may be paid more than guards who work in lower-risk environments.
• The level of training and experience required. Some security guard positions require specialized training or experience. These guards may be paid more than guards who do not require specialized training or experience.
• The availability of guards. If there is a high demand for security guards in a particular area, the rates may be higher.
• The time of day or night. Security guards who work night shifts or weekends may be paid more than guards who work day shifts or weekdays.
• The day of the week. Security guards who work on public holidays or special events may be paid more than guards who work on regular weekdays.

How to get the best value for your money

If you are looking for the best value for your money, it is important to shop around and compare quotes from different security companies.

You should also consider the following tips:

• Be specific about your requirements. The more specific you are about your requirements, the easier it will be for security companies to give you accurate quotes.
• Get quotes from at least three different companies. This will give you a good idea of the market rates.
• Ask about the company’s experience and qualifications. Make sure the company is reputable and has a good track record.
• Read the contract carefully before you sign it. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy.
• Consider using a security guard agency. A security guard agency can provide you with a pool of qualified guards to choose from. This can save you time and effort.

How much a security guard in South Africa costs depends on a very large set of variables, but hiring security guards is a significant expense. However, it is important to remember that security is an investment.

Hiring qualified and experienced security guards can help to protect your property, your employees, and your customers.

Additional tips for getting the best value for your money when hiring security guards:

• Consider using a security guard agency that specializes in your industry or type of business. This will ensure that the guards are familiar with the specific risks and challenges associated with your organization.
• Ask about the company’s training policies and procedures. Make sure the guards are properly trained in all aspects of security, including conflict resolution, first aid, and fire safety.
• Inquire about the company’s insurance coverage. Make sure the company is fully insured in case of an incident.
• Check references. Ask for references from other businesses or organizations that have used the security company’s services.
• Be clear about your expectations. Make sure the security company understands your specific needs and requirements.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The rates listed above are just starting points. You may be able to negotiate a lower rate if you are willing to sign a contract for a longer period of time or if you are willing to pay in advance.

Hiring security guards can be a complex process and how much a security guard costs depends on the security job that needs to be done.

By following these tips you can ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.