Security guards need state help

According to my experience, security officers are more important in our communities and our lives in general but they’re underrated and given no respect.

Our safety depends more on them than the police, who are always put first and given more attention by our government.

The security industry is valuable and needs to be recognised as one of the biggest industries in terms of safety.

Guards are always first in putting their lives in danger whenever there is an incident.

Before the police arrive at the scene, security is there – or even dead in an unfortunate incident.

Security officers are always walking unarmed around busy and dangerous malls, plazas and many other places with the intention of protecting people – but no one cares about their safety.

I think it is time that our government helps security officers to realise their dreams of being recognised as real heroes of our communities.

Security is a profession, that is why one needs to go for training and be certified by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority to become a fully trained and qualified officer.

This needs to be given another look by government’s security and safety department.

It actually needs to be considered. Letladi wa Ga-Mphahlele, Maralaleng