By: Annakleta Haikera
Eberhard Kakoro (23), a security services business owner, is calling on companies in the security sector to provide medical services to their employees and to support them when they are sick or injured on duty.
Security work is often associated with low pay and minimal protection for employees. Kakoro, who started his company at the age of 18, now employs over 30 guards.
Kakoro, the owner of Myloje Security Services in Rundu, pointed out that there is a negative perception towards security companies, particularly regarding how they treat their employees. Most security companies in Namibia currently pay guards N$8.50 per hour.
“I decided to pay my guards bonuses on their birthdays and cover their medical expenses when they get sick. Every person needs to be healthy at work,” he told The Villager.
Kakoro emphasised the importance of registering security guards for social security benefits and advocated for paying decent salaries to his staff, whom he treats like family. He also believes in giving back to the community.
He urged security companies to provide their guards with essential safety equipment, such as defensive weapons and safety boots, and to conduct regular safety training sessions to help guards protect themselves in dangerous situations.
Kakoro shared that he decided to enter the security business after failing to achieve the 40 points needed in Grade 12 to qualify for medical studies at the University of Namibia.
“During 2020 and 2021, there was an increase in housebreaking and burglary cases in my area, particularly in the Rainbow Village residential area where I live,” he said.
He noted that many residents did not feel safe in their homes, and some had no choice but to leave their homes unattended when travelling during the festive season.
“God’s plan for me was to start this security company. When I started, I operated from my bedroom at my parents’ house. ‘Myloje’ stands for ‘My Lord Jesus,’ and I strongly believe that God wanted me to start this company to help others.”
Kakoro acknowledged that, like any other security company, he has faced challenges, such as delayed payments from clients, which affect both company performance and employee morale.
“Being a private company, it’s very difficult to pay all the guards on time if payments are delayed,” he explained.
Myloje Security Services is one of the few security companies in Namibia that offers full benefits to its guards, including covering 100% of their medical bills when they are sick, whether on duty or off-duty, without any deductions from their salaries.
