Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes confirmation from the Auditor-General that the R129 million training scandal at the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has been referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
This referral is a long-overdue step in a case that has dragged on for six years while those responsible remain untouched.
We now call, with urgency, on the Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, to suspend PSIRA’s Director and Chief Financial Officer immediately, while the SIU conducts its investigation. Their suspension is necessary to ensure they cannot interfere with the process.
The facts are damning. In 2019, PSIRA unlawfully entered into an agreement with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to provide training for security officers. Of the 6 507 people registered, only 118 received accreditation. The Auditor-General also found that R30 million was paid in advance before any services were delivered. Six years later, PSIRA has not recovered a cent.
That is R129 million in public money gone, with no accountability and no consequence. Allowing those responsible to remain in office while an investigation proceeds makes a mockery of oversight and of the rule of law.
This is proof that PSIRA, in its current form, is no longer fit for purpose. A complete review and restructuring of the entity is urgently needed to restore integrity, ensure proper governance, and protect the public’s money.
Every cent lost was meant to create real opportunities for unemployed South Africans. Instead, it has disappeared into mismanagement and possible corruption. South Africans should not be forced to bankroll PSIRA’s failures any longer.
We will continue to press for full accountability, the recovery of every rand, and a fundamental overhaul of PSIRA so that it can once again serve its intended purpose. The Director and CFO must be suspended immediately to safeguard the SIU investigation and the public interest.
Regards
Lisa Schickerling MP
DA Spokesperson on Police