Security Guards and the Pandemic

The pandemic gave birth to many specialized jobs. Schools and workplaces created COVID-19 positions to monitor the situation, especially government updates.

There was a barrage of information about wearing masks, washing hands; social distancing; and vaccination. When the government decreed that we should be vaccinated, entertainment and shopping malls hired security companies to check proof of vaccination, otherwise we could not sit down and have a meal.

They hired more staff, which was good business for them but it changed the nature of the job. Before the pandemic, security patrolled malls to keep us in check. Don’t even think about causing havoc. One day I was nearly knocked down by a guy running with security at his heels.

During the pandemic, mall safety became a second priority because security companies channeled all their energies to COVID--19 protocols. They stood at the entrance to ensure that we sprayed hands with sanitizers and checked our phones for vaccination certificates.

It must have been difficult at times, because some people were hostile to the whole idea of not entering the food area, if not fully vaccinated. COVID-19 rules are relaxed now which have resulted in security companies scaling down staff. 

What they know for sure is that the image of security guards has changed. Improved communication skills with the public is a must.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.