…as workers struggle and companies protest regulations
Ithabeleng Qhasho
THE private security sector is facing a deepening crisis, with underpaid guards struggling to survive while company owners accuse the government of unfair regulation, weak oversight and damaging tender practices.
On the ground, the human cost of the crisis is becoming increasingly visible. Security personnel, many of whom work long hours under difficult conditions, say their wages are too low to meet basic living standards. Several guards interviewed said they were failing to keep up with rent payments, with landlords even questioning how they survived on such meagre incomes.
“It’s heartbreaking as we are struggling to make ends meet. We work long hours, but our pay does not reflect the sacrifice,” said one security guard who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Another security officer, who has worked for more than nine years at a Mosotho-owned security company based in Maseru, said he earns less than M2000 per month despite working from Monday to Sunday. He claims he regularly works overtime but has never been compensated.
“We are tired, but we have no choice. Jobs are scarce, so people accept whatever is offered, even if it’s unfair,” he said.
According to the Labour Act (Minimum Wages) Notice, 2025, a security guard with less than 12 months of continuous service with the same employer is entitled to a minimum monthly wage of M2641. Those with more than 12 months of service are entitled to a minimum of M3104 per month.
These accounts mirror broader concerns raised by the Association of Private Security Companies (APSC), which said the industry was under immense pressure due to poor regulation, lack of consultation and unsustainable business practices. Formed in 2000, the APSC represents private security companies registered in the country. However, it said the sector was excluded from the recent National Dialogues.
Currently, 94 private security companies are lawfully registered in Lesotho.
APSC chairperson, Thabo Michael Nkuatsana, speaking at a press briefing held in Maseru yesterday, said one of the association’s main grievances is the sharp increase in licensing fees, which rose from M1000 to M5000 annually without consultation. Companies are also required to pay both trade and operational licences, which the association said amounts to double charging.
Mr Nkuatsana said the wage determination had also become a flashpoint. Although security companies were required to comply with wages set by the Wages Advisory Board, the private security sector had no representation on the board. APSC argued that this disconnect contributed to unrealistic wage expectations in an industry already strained by low contract fees.
Government tendering practices also drew particular criticism.
“Tenders are often awarded to the lowest bidder without assessing whether companies can realistically pay lawful wages, provide uniforms, training and equipment, or meet operational standards,” said Mr Nkuatsana.
He added that late payments by government further strained company finances.
Whie he acknowledged that some companies broke the law by underpaying workers or failing to pay them altogether, he insisted these violations should not define the entire industry.He said many abuses stemmed from clients demanding cheaper services while being unaware of legally required wage rates.
Mr Nkuatsana further emphasised the sector faced challenges related to foreign-owned companies, limited access to finance for Basotho entrepreneurs, and possible conflicts of interest involving government officials allegedly linked to security businesses.
“Continuing to prioritise the lowest bidder will only deepen exploitation, weaken service quality and push both workers and businesses further into crisis.”
APSC member, Teboho Molapo, said business viability depended largely on what clients were willing to pay.
“Some practices are lawful, others are not. There are companies within the industry that pay workers half wages or fail to pay them at all,” Mr Molapo said.
The association also raised concerns about unregistered companies operating freely while compliant firms faced strict enforcement. It argued that authorities should first clamp down on illegal operators before penalising registered businesses.
APSC said it had initiated training and education programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and other stakeholders, noting that many guards entered the industry without formal education. However, negative perceptions that security work is for the uneducated continue to undermine professionalism and morale.
