Namibian security industry sees rapid growth

THERE are as many as 72 security companies currently operating in the country, Chairman of the Namibia Protection Services (NPS) said.

David Shimwino, however, stressed the need to address the problem of fly-by-night security companies which were mushrooming in Namibia. The NPS, in conjunction with the labour ministry and trade unions, is currently finalising the implementation of a minimum wage for the security industry.The NPS celebrated its 10th birthday at a gala event held at the Windhoek Country Club Resort at the weekend.According to the Chairman, the company has grown by 23 per cent over the last 10 years and now employs close to a 1 000 Namibians.It has branches in Windhoek, Oshakati, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay, Okahandja, Mariental, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Gobabis, Katima Mulilo, Tsumeb and Grootfontein.NPS CEO, Cobus Visser, said the company had grown to employ more Namibians.An internal accredited training centre helps NPS provide trained people for services ranging from guarding premises, handling access control and transport services for cash and other valuable assets.”Furthermore a rapid response system provides a powerful deterrent to crime,” the NPS said.Mick Bartmann, one of the directors of NPS, said the company was one of the top three security companies in Namibia adding, “this business is extremely sound.It has no overdraft.Regular dividends are paid”.Keynote speaker at the gala event, Dr Kalumbi Shangula of Kalahari Holdings, said the security industry in Namibia was very competitive and that a fine balance must be worked out for collaboration between different companies.”Competitors are not necessarily adversaries,” he said.Efficiency, timeliness, professionalism, courtesy, adaptability and social responsibility are the key factors Namibian security companies need to address to make maximum benefit from globalisation, he said.The NPS, in conjunction with the labour ministry and trade unions, is currently finalising the implementation of a minimum wage for the security industry.The NPS celebrated its 10th birthday at a gala event held at the Windhoek Country Club Resort at the weekend.According to the Chairman, the company has grown by 23 per cent over the last 10 years and now employs close to a 1 000 Namibians.It has branches in Windhoek, Oshakati, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay, Okahandja, Mariental, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Gobabis, Katima Mulilo, Tsumeb and Grootfontein.NPS CEO, Cobus Visser, said the company had grown to employ more Namibians.An internal accredited training centre helps NPS provide trained people for services ranging from guarding premises, handling access control and transport services for cash and other valuable assets.”Furthermore a rapid response system provides a powerful deterrent to crime,” the NPS said.Mick Bartmann, one of the directors of NPS, said the company was one of the top three security companies in Namibia adding, “this business is extremely sound.It has no overdraft.Regular dividends are paid”.Keynote speaker at the gala event, Dr Kalumbi Shangula of Kalahari Holdings, said the security industry in Namibia was very competitive and that a fine balance must be worked out for collaboration between different companies.”Competitors are not necessarily adversaries,” he said.Efficiency, timeliness, professionalism, courtesy, adaptability and social responsibility are the key factors Namibian security companies need to address to make maximum benefit from globalisation, he said.