The launch of a groundbreaking employee wellness campaign targeting tuberculosis (TB), HIV and AIDS in South Africa’s private security sector has been hailed as a major intervention aimed at improving the health, dignity and wellbeing of thousands of security officers across the country.

The initiative, launched by The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA) with support from the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), took place in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The campaign introduces what organisers described as the first workplace-centred prevention-to-care model specifically designed for South Africa’s private security industry. It seeks to address the growing health challenges faced by security officers, many of whom work long hours under stressful and demanding conditions.

Speaking at the launch, TAPSOSA President Jones Maphalaphathwa described the initiative as a historic step towards restoring dignity to security officers while ensuring better access to healthcare services.

Maphalaphathwa said security officers often work extended shifts, including overnight duties, while constantly moving between sites and communities. According to him, these working conditions increase vulnerability to TB and HIV while also making it difficult for many workers to access healthcare facilities.

He said stigma and fear remain major obstacles preventing employees from seeking medical assistance or disclosing their health status.

“This project is about taking healthcare services directly to the workplaces and communities where security officers live and work,” said Maphalaphathwa.

He explained that the campaign goes beyond ordinary awareness programmes by focusing on prevention, testing, support, treatment and long-term care.

A major component of the project is the deployment of more than 1,000 trained peer ambassadors across the country. The ambassadors, drawn from within the security sector itself, will educate workers, encourage voluntary testing, combat stigma and direct colleagues to professional healthcare support services.

Maphalaphathwa said peer-led interventions were critical because security officers were more likely to trust and open up to colleagues who understood the realities of the industry.