Private security among worst pension defaulters as FSCA logs 15,521 non-paying employers

A September 2025 Financial Sector Conduct Authority report found the number of employers defaulting on pension contributions had doubled to 15,521, leaving about 600,000 people vulnerable, investigative outlet Africa Uncensored reported in December 2025.

COSATU national spokesperson Zanele Sabela identified private security as "one of the highest defaulters" on retirement fund contributions.

A High Court order forced Mafoko Security to surrender assets to pay guards owed unpaid pension contributions. The NBCPSS, which has legislative power to prosecute non-compliant employers, has pursued legal action against companies including Mafoko Security Patrols over breaches of the Main Collective Agreement such as salary underpayment.

NBCPSS chief operations officer Kaglego Magoro described delayed cash payments of benefits to guards as systemic.

The report notes South Africa has roughly 2.7 million registered private security personnel with over 650,000 actively employed, following about 40% industry growth over a decade.

Guards who suspect provident fund contributions are being deducted but not paid over can query their fund status with the Private Security Sector Provident Fund.

Source: Africa Uncensored, 22 December 2025 - africauncensored.online