Does crime really pay – the private security business

South Africa’s private security industry is growing rapidly due to the increasing crime rates and perceived inadequacy of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The industry is now worth over ZAR 50 billion and has become a crucial part of the country’s security landscape. In this article, we’ll examine the investment potential of private security companies in South Africa, including their business models, major costs, key players, and investment opportunities.

Globally, the security services market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028 and reach a market size of USD 171.3 billion by 2028, according to Grand View Research. In South Africa, the electronic security market, which is a critical part of the private security industry, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2021 and 2026, as reported by Mordor Intelligence. Moreover, Mordor Intelligence also reports that the global smart home security market, which includes advanced security solutions such as surveillance cameras and smart locks, is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% from 2021 to 2026, with a projected market size of USD 4.37 billion.

It is interesting to note that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the private security industry in South Africa. According to a survey conducted by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), 86% of security businesses reported a decrease in revenue due to the pandemic, while 80% reported a decline in clients. However, post-pandemic numbers show the industry is recovering well.

Private security companies earn revenue by providing security services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. These services include manned guarding, alarm systems, electronic security, and monitoring. Clients generally pay a monthly or annual fee for these services, along with additional fees for installation and maintenance. According to a survey conducted by Vumacam and Fletcher Advisory, home security ranked among the top three priorities for a sample group of households in South Africa in terms of their spending habits and time allocation.

The primary costs associated with private security companies include the following:

• Labour costs: salaries and benefits for security personnel
• Equipment cost: including vehicles, uniforms, and security technologies.
• Insurance and marketing costs

Additionally, these companies must comply with strict industry regulations and maintain relevant licenses, which can increase operational costs.

PSiRA is the primary regulatory body governing South Africa’s private security industry. It operates under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (56 of 2001) and its amendment (19 of 2014). Key aspects of the regulatory environment include:

• Licensing and registration: PSiRA issues licenses to security businesses and individual officers, which require background checks, training, and competency certifications.
• Compliance and enforcement: PSiRA conduct inspections, monitors activities, and investigates complaints. Non-compliant providers may face fines, suspensions, or revocations.
• Transformation and empowerment: PSiRA promote and monitors the industry’s transformation by addressing ownership, management control, skills development, and employment equity.
• Training and development: PSiRA sets training standards and collaborates with accredited institutions to develop relevant programs and continuous professional development.

In South Africa, a few major players dominate the private security market, with approximately 60% of the industry’s revenue generated by the top 10% of companies. This underscores the importance of market share and a strong reputation in the industry. A few of these larger companies include:

• G4S: G4S, a global security firm, has experienced consistent growth up to 2021. The company’s global revenue in 2021 was approximately $16.45 billion (source: G4S 2021 Financial Statements). Acquired by Allied Universal in 2021, G4S has a strong presence in South Africa, offering a wide range of services, and is estimated to have a market share of around 10%.
• Fidelity Security Group: Fidelity Services Group is Southern Africa’s largest integrated security solutions provider and an industry leader in protection innovation. Its estimated market share in South Africa is north of 10%. Fidelity focuses on innovation and technology adoption, enhancing its offerings and customer satisfaction.
• ADT Security: ADT Inc., an American security solutions provider, experienced mixed growth in the five years leading up to 2022. In 2022, ADT Inc. reported global revenue of approximately $6.4 billion (source: ADT Fourth Quarter 2022 Earnings Presentation). ADT provides a range of security services in South Africa, focusing on expanding its smart home security offerings and leveraging its extensive monitoring network.
• Chubb Security: Chubb, a fire safety and security solutions provider, is part of Carrier Global Corporation. In 2022, Carrier Global Corporation reported global revenue of approximately $20.4 billion (source: Carrier Global Corporation 2022 Annual Report). Chubb offers a range of services in South Africa, investing in the development of innovative security technologies, such as IoT-enabled devices and cloud-based platforms.

In addition, SA’s high crime rate has led to a growing willingness among individuals and businesses to pay for private security services with this need enhanced by inadequate public security resources, creating potential investment opportunities. The electronic security market is expected to experience steady growth, driven by technological advancements and increased demand for smart home security solutions.

South Africa’s crime rate increased by 8.4% between 2020 and 2021, with a total of 2.7 million recorded crimes (source: SAPS Annual Crime Report 2020/2021). The number of reported home burglaries in South Africa increased by 7.6% between 2020 and 2021, highlighting the need for effective security services in residential areas (source: SAPS Annual Crime Report 2020/2021). Crime has escalated at an alarming rate as the below EWN breakdown indicates.

Furthermore, the private security industry now employs over 500,000 registered security officers, outnumbering the South African Police Service and military personnel combined (source: PSiRA Annual Reports). With over 9000 registered security businesses operating across South Africa, the growth in the industry shows no signs of slowing down. The graph below indicates the distribution of private registered security companies in South Africa as of March 2021.

There are a few compelling reasons why investing in the private security industry in South Africa could be an attractive opportunity. Firstly, we have seen large mergers and acquisitions within the industry recently. This trend indicates that bigger companies are looking to expand their market share and add more services to their offerings by acquiring smaller competitors. So, investing in companies that are poised for such acquisitions could be beneficial.

Secondly, the private security industry can provide a stable source of income, as they often secure long-term contracts with clients. This stability can act as a buffer during economic uncertainty, making private security investments an attractive defensive strategy.

However, investors should be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with investing in the private security sector. These may include regulatory compliance, labour issues, such as attracting and retaining skilled security personnel, and increased competition from both established and emerging players.

It’s important to note that while private security companies can provide effective security solutions, they cannot replace the role of the police in ensuring public safety. Inadequate funding and resources for the South African Police Service have led to criticism of the government’s handling of crime prevention and response. It’s essential to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, inequality, and social unrest, to reduce the demand for private security services and promote safer communities.

In summary, the South African private security industry presents potential investment opportunities due to continuous growth and demand for services. However, investors must keep in mind that economic downturns, increased regulation, and the evolving nature of the industry could impact their investments. To succeed and remain competitive, businesses need to pay attention to transformation efforts and the adoption of new technologies. For now, it seems like the industry is in good hands.