SA’s private security industry is placing the health and wellbeing of its workforce firmly in the spotlight as the Association of Private Security Owners of SA (TAPSOSA), in partnership with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), rolls out a nationwide HIV, Aids and TB workplace wellness campaign aimed at protecting those who protect the nation.
The campaign, which reached KuGompo City last week, brought together security officers at the East London Resource Centre for a workplace wellness programme offering free health screenings, HIV counselling and testing, TB screening, health education and referrals for ongoing medical care.
Operating under the theme #ProtectTheProtectors, the initiative seeks to address the healthcare barriers faced by thousands of security officers who often work long hours under demanding conditions with little opportunity to access essential health services.
TAPSOSA deputy chair Sibusiso Nogwanya said the campaign was inspired by the urgent need to improve the wellbeing of one of the country’s most overlooked workforces.
“The campaign was inspired by a sobering reality: private security officers are among the most overlooked workforces when it comes to healthcare access,” Nogwanya said.
“These men and women are our first line of defence, yet they frequently endure harsh environments, verbal abuse and extreme fatigue.”
He said TAPSOSA was determined to change how the industry viewed its workforce.
“We could no longer treat our workforce purely as operational liabilities. They are our greatest assets.”
The campaign introduces what organisers describe as the private security sector’s first workplace-centred prevention-to-care model, taking healthcare directly to officers instead of expecting them to visit clinics after long and demanding shifts.
In addition to providing on-site health services, the programme has trained more than 1,000 peer ambassadors across the country to educate colleagues, reduce stigma surrounding HIV, Aids and TB, and encourage workers to seek treatment and ongoing support.
Nogwanya said security officers faced challenges that often prevented them from accessing healthcare.
“Long hours, night shifts and demanding travel times leave officers with virtually no time to visit clinics,” he said.
“At the same time, stress and fatigue weaken immune systems, increasing vulnerability to illnesses such as TB and HIV, while stigma prevents many from seeking help.”
The campaign has already recorded encouraging results since its launch in Johannesburg, with hundreds of officers voluntarily undergoing health screenings, many for the first time in several years.
“The feedback has been deeply emotional,” Nogwanya said.
“Officers finally feel seen and valued.”
TAPSOSA hopes the initiative will create a lasting culture of wellness within the security industry by encouraging regular health screenings, reducing stigma and improving the overall wellbeing of officers.
“We want to build a culture where no officer suffers in silence,” Nogwanya said.
“Investing in employee wellness improves alertness, reduces absenteeism and strengthens business sustainability.”
He added that the organisation also wants to change public perceptions of security officers.
“We want to shift the narrative from ’expendable labour’ to highly valued, protected professionals.”
As the campaign continues its national rollout, TAPSOSA is encouraging all security officers to make use of the free services and prioritise their health.
“Security officers are not liabilities; they are investments. When we protect their health, we secure the entire industry and the nation.”
