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South African Expansion into Africa
South African private security companies expanded their operations into other African countries. Security markets in these countries are a lucrative means of expanding the South African security industry’s business interests.
Many large security companies have opened security operations in other African countries. Coin Security is operating in at least six African countries. Grey Security has opened companies in partnership with local governments and other security operators in African countries. Some smaller companies, like Greenfour, that do not even operate at a national level in South Africa, have security operations in other African countries.
There are a number of different services offered by these security companies, of which the most prevalent are:
- guarding of installations, mines and other strategic property;
- providing risk consultancy to South African, European and American businesses wishing to expand their markets in these countries;
- provision of private intelligence services;
- security training; and
- VIP protection services and guarding of government property.
The extent to which South African security companies are involved in political conflicts in these countries is unclear. However, there are allegations that in some cases, such as the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Angola, South African private security firms are involved.
According to a report in the Sowetan:
"Two security companies are recruiting former members of the South African Defence Force (SADF) to help boost the Angolan government in its fight against UNITA.
The recruitment of former SADF soldiers, some of whom had previously fought with UNITA to topple the MPLA government, is being conducted by two companies with offices in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
It is understood that former senior SADF officers are working in top military structures of the MPLA."
The report states that UNITA is also recruiting mercenaries, and that former South African soldiers are working for both sides in the war. The report expresses concern that a situation has been created where former South African soldiers may find themselves at war with one another as they attempt to bolster both sides in the Angolan civil war.50
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A number of concerns have been raised about the expansion of South African private security companies into other African countries.
Security companies used for mercenary activities
In 1998, the South African Parliament passed anti-mercenary legislation that prohibits companies from conducting mercenary activities from within South Africa’s borders. However, some private security companies appear to be involved in mercenary activities under the guise of carrying out private security contracts.
Lack of regulation
While regulatory structures are weak in South Africa, they are nonexistent in many other African countries. South African companies operating in other African countries can misuse the lack of regulation to provide a service that is below standard. Companies that are not forced to adhere to minimum standards might be tempted to cut running costs to increase profits.
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