Security Companies Hiring Now in South Africa (2026)
Last updated: 6 April 2026
South Africa's private security industry employs over 2.5 million people and is one of the largest employers in the country. Whether you are looking for your first job or switching careers, security offers steady work with clear progression paths. This guide covers which companies are currently hiring, what you need to apply, and expected salaries.
Security Companies Hiring Now
These are the major security companies in South Africa that regularly hire security guards, armed response officers, and support staff.
Fidelity ADT
Actively hiringLargest security company in Africa. Formed from Fidelity Services Group and ADT merger.
- Security guards
- Armed response officers
- Control room operators
- Technical installers
- Grade 10 minimum (Grade 12 preferred)
- PSIRA Grade C, B, or A registration
- Clean criminal record
- Medically fit
G4S (now Allied Universal)
Hiring regularlyGlobal security company operating across South Africa. Merged with Allied Universal.
- Security officers
- Cash-in-transit guards
- Event security
- Corporate security
- Grade 10 minimum
- PSIRA registered
- Clean criminal record
- Valid driver's licence (some roles)
Securitas
Hiring in major citiesSwedish multinational, one of the largest security employers globally. Growing presence in SA.
- Static guards
- Mobile patrol
- Corporate reception security
- Risk consultants
- Grade 12 preferred
- PSIRA Grade C minimum
- Clean criminal record
Chubb (now Bidvest Protea Coin)
Hiring across provincesPart of Bidvest Group. Major player in guarding, armed response, and electronic security.
- Security guards
- Armed response
- Alarm technicians
- Control room staff
- Grade 10 minimum
- PSIRA registered
- Clean criminal record
- Firearm competency (armed roles)
Hi-Tech Security
Hiring - especially in GautengLarge independent security company focused on Gauteng and surrounding provinces.
- Security guards
- Access control
- CCTV monitoring
- Patrol officers
- Grade 10 minimum
- PSIRA Grade C or above
- Clean criminal record
Thorburn Security
Hiring regularlyEstablished security company with national coverage. Strong in KZN and Gauteng.
- Security officers
- Armed guards
- Estate security
- Event security
- Grade 10 minimum
- PSIRA registered
- Clean criminal record
Enforce Security
HiringGrowing mid-size security company operating mainly in Gauteng.
- Security guards
- Access control
- Patrol officers
- PSIRA Grade C minimum
- Clean criminal record
- SA citizen
Stallion Security
Hiring - armed response focusOne of the larger independent armed response companies in Gauteng and North West.
- Armed response officers
- Control room operators
- Technical installers
- PSIRA Grade B or A
- Firearm competency
- Valid driver's licence
- Clean criminal record
Security Guard Requirements in South Africa
To work as a security guard in South Africa, you need to meet the following requirements:
- PSIRA registration - Registration with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority is mandatory for all security workers in South Africa.
- PSIRA Grades: Grade E (entry level), Grade D, Grade C (most common - required by most employers), Grade B (supervisory and armed roles), Grade A (management).
- Grade C training takes 3 - 5 days and costs R800 - R2,000 at an accredited training provider.
- Clean criminal record - You will need to provide a police clearance certificate.
- Grade 10 minimum education - Grade 12 gives you an advantage and opens more roles.
- Medical fitness - Most companies require a basic medical check.
- SA citizen or permanent resident - Foreign nationals need a valid work permit.
Security Guard Salaries in South Africa (2026)
| Role | Entry Level | Experienced | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guard (unarmed) | R4,500 - R6,000 | R6,000 - R8,000 | R8,000 - R10,000 |
| Armed Response Officer | R7,000 - R9,000 | R9,000 - R12,000 | R12,000 - R16,000 |
| Control Room Operator | R6,000 - R8,000 | R8,000 - R11,000 | R11,000 - R14,000 |
| Security Supervisor | R8,000 - R10,000 | R10,000 - R14,000 | R14,000 - R18,000 |
| Security Manager | R15,000 - R20,000 | R20,000 - R30,000 | R30,000 - R45,000 |
Minimum wage for security guards in SA is R5,255/month (2026). PSIRA-registered guards in metro areas typically earn R5,500 - R7,000.
How to Get Your PSIRA Certificate
PSIRA registration is the first step to getting a security job. Here is how to get registered:
- Complete Grade C security training at an accredited provider. The course takes 3 - 5 days and costs R800 - R2,000.
- Apply for PSIRA registration online at psira.co.za or visit a PSIRA office in person.
- Submit your documents: certified ID copy, 2 passport photos, training certificate, and criminal record check.
- Pay the registration fee - R76 for Grade C registration.
- Wait 4 - 6 weeks for your registration card to arrive.
- Renew annually at R76/year to keep your registration active.
Security Jobs by City
Johannesburg / Gauteng
The largest market for security jobs in South Africa. Fidelity ADT, G4S, Hi-Tech Security, and Stallion Security all have their headquarters in Gauteng. High demand for armed response, estate security, and corporate guarding.
Cape Town
Growing security market with strong tourism-related demand. Fidelity ADT, G4S, and Securitas are the most active recruiters in the Western Cape.
Durban / KZN
Thorburn Security has a strong presence in KwaZulu-Natal alongside Fidelity ADT and G4S. Port and logistics security is a growing niche.
Pretoria
High demand for government precinct and diplomatic security. All major companies are present. Bidvest Protea Coin and Fidelity ADT are particularly active.
Tips for Getting Hired as a Security Guard
- Get your PSIRA Grade C as a minimum - companies will not consider you without it.
- Get Grade B if you can afford it - it opens armed response and supervisor roles that pay significantly more.
- Start with a clean CV, even if short - include your ID number, PSIRA number, and reference contacts.
- Apply to multiple companies at once - the industry has high turnover so positions open frequently.
- Be willing to work night shifts and weekends - this is where most openings are.
- Consider getting a driver's licence - it opens armed response and patrol roles which pay significantly more.
- Look professional at the interview - neat appearance matters in this industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which security company is hiring now in South Africa?
Most major companies hire year-round due to high turnover. Fidelity ADT, G4S, Securitas, and Bidvest Protea Coin are the largest employers and regularly post vacancies. Check their careers pages directly for current openings.
Can I get a security job with no experience?
Yes. Many companies offer entry-level positions for people with a PSIRA Grade C or E certificate and no prior experience. Companies like Fidelity ADT and G4S have training programmes for new recruits.
How much do security guards earn in South Africa?
Entry-level unarmed guards earn R4,500 - R6,000/month. Armed response officers earn R7,000 - R12,000. Supervisors and managers earn R10,000 - R30,000+. The legal minimum for security guards is R5,255/month in 2026.
What qualifications do I need to be a security guard?
You need a PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) registration, minimum Grade 10 education, clean criminal record, and medical fitness. PSIRA Grade C training takes 3 - 5 days and costs R800 - R2,000.
How long does PSIRA registration take?
The training course takes 3 - 5 days. After submitting your application and documents, the registration card takes 4 - 6 weeks to arrive. Some companies will hire you while your registration is being processed.
Is security a good career in South Africa?
The private security industry is one of SA's largest employers with over 2.5 million workers. It offers steady employment with regular shifts. Career progression from guard to supervisor to manager is common for reliable workers. Armed response and technical roles pay significantly more.
Do security companies provide uniforms and training?
Most large companies provide uniforms, basic equipment, and on-the-job training at no cost. Some also offer paid PSIRA training for new recruits. You are generally responsible for your own PSIRA registration renewal.
Related Pages
Hiring status is based on publicly available information and may change. Always check the company's official careers page for current vacancies.
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