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The Sectoral Determination for the Private Security Sector, which sets out basic employment standards and minimum wages for South Africa's security guards, will be published in tomorrow's Government Gazette (13 July), the Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana, said from Geneva today.

The Minister said this Sectoral Determination - which comes into effect on Monday, June 16 - was an historic agreement, because while it fulfilled the mandate of protecting the interests of these vulnerable workers, the determination was to a large extent based on agreements thrashed out in industry-based bargaining forums.

"My ideal is to see a labour market where because of the strength of employer and worker organisations there is no need for me to promulgate sectoral determinations. The fact that this determination is based on decisions taken by employers and workers is a significant step to achieving this goal," the Minister said.

Minister Mdladlana emphasised that he believes social dialogue is key to the effective functioning of a fair labour market.

The Sectoral Determination, in line with international best practice, is set for a period of three years. This is advantageous, according to the Minister, because it allows for stability in the sector and also for longer-term planning by employers.

The Minister added that he hoped that at the end of the three-year period, there would be a fully-fledged Bargaining Council in place, so the industry would not have to rely on government intervention.

The Sectoral Determination sets minimum wages at levels ranging from R911.00 in rural areas to R2 533.00 in urban areas. The wages represent an overall increase for entry levels in excess of 7% every year for three years.

In a shift from earlier security wage determinations, wages are no longer set on an hourly basis, but monthly. This not only fixes the wages of security officers, but also can be regarded as upgrading the profession.

The application of the Determination is split into five different areas based on levels of urbanisation. While the three-year agreement allows for the guaranteed increase on the anniversary date of the implementation date.

Other conditions of employment include the stipulation of night shift allowances and improvements to maternity benefits over the next three years.

Enquiries: Snuki Zikalala on 082 809 3195

Issued by Department of Labour

12 June 2003