RESPONSE TO LETTER BY MR VUYO MAJOLA-DLAMINI OF PSIRA
We have been requested by the Sun Newspaper to respond to a letter written to them by Mr Vuyo Majola-Dlamini who is the Manager of the Law Enforcement Division – Kwazulu Natal, PSIRA.
We'd like to state at the very outset that we find it very sad that as a community based organization motivated solely by a desire to enhance security in the heavily crime ridden Amanzimtoti area, that we have been drawn into this controversy. Despite the unquestionable good that we are doing for the community as a non-profit making organization, supported solely by donations from the community, attempts are being made to stop us from rendering the undoubtedly invaluable administrative service that we provide. In the two years that we have been providing this service, for no personal gain whatsoever, the crime rate has radically reduced. This can be statistically proven and would be backed by the local South African Police Services. This is surely what our government would expect of us as responsible citizens. This is surely what crime threatened citizens would appreciate. There is nothing untoward or sinister or improper in providing a service of this nature. It is something that we believe any right thinking person would applaud and give their wholehearted support.
Sadly, we reiterate, it is only in consequence of disgruntled persons, previously engaged by our organization to assist in our endeavors who have complained to authorities, that questions have been raised about our activities. These persons, Les Spence and Tracy Campbell, fell out with our organization. And although they willingly participated in our organization over the past two years, they have now suddenly chosen, for reasons best know to themselves, to race off to the authorities and attempt to ring unwarranted alarm bells. For reasons which we can amply elaborate on, we view this as a selfish vindictive act, in an attempt to jeopardize this admirably motivated community based organization. It can only serve to harm the community and expose the people of Amanzimtoti to rampant crime. To close our organization down will do nothing but destructive damage. There is simply nothing positive or good that would come out of it.
Sadly, we reiterate, it is only in consequence of disgruntled persons, previously engaged by our organization to assist in our endeavors who have complained to authorities, that questions have been raised about our activities. These persons, Les Spence and Tracy Campbell, fell out with our organization. And although they willingly participated in our organization over the past two years, they have now suddenly chosen, for reasons best know to themselves, to race off to the authorities and attempt to ring unwarranted alarm bells. For reasons which we can amply elaborate on, we view this as a selfish vindictive act, in an attempt to jeopardize this admirably motivated community based organization. It can only serve to harm the community and expose the people of Amanzimtoti to rampant crime. To close our organization down will do nothing but destructive damage. There is simply nothing positive or good that would come out of it.
Having said this and apropos the letter by Mr Majola-Dlamini, we have respected and taken the views of PSIRA very seriously. To this end we have obtained legal advice through an attorney and an advocate, a Senior Counsel practicing at the Natal Bar. We are advised that as a non-profit organization relying entirely on donations, it is strongly arguable that we do not fall to be classified as a "security service operating for remuneration, reward, a fee or benefit" as declared in Section 20 of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001. We however do not want to come into conflict with the PSIRA authorities and are earnestly seeking to co-operate with them at every turn. We accept that they perform an invaluable function in monitoring and controlling true security service organizations. We however are a mere administrative body attempting to assist in the co-ordination of these security service organizations and creating a climate for pro-active accelerated responses.
We are in the throes of setting up meetings with the PSIRA authorities in order to amicably engage with them on the above. We anticipate that clarity should be obtained in the near future and will keep the community advised.
