Record number of nominations as the country’s brave are recognised

It was hosted by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) in conjunction with Security Association of South Africa (SASA), South African National Security Employers’ Association (SANSEA) and The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA) at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on 5 November 2019. An elegant affair, the Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale delivered the key note address in which he paid homage to role the private security industry played in keeping communities safe.

This year saw a record number of nominations from 26 companies. The categories included guarding, assets-intransit, armed response and control room operator. In total, 163 merit awards, 105 bronze awards, 48 silver awards, 56 gold awards and 34 posthumous awards were handed out – a total of 409 awards in all. Fidelity CEO Wahl Bartmann said the night belonged to the hundreds of private security officers, the unsung heroes, who put their lives on the line every day and who were committed to ensuring the safety of the country’s citizens.

“For most South Africans, the thought of arriving at a premises knowing that there are criminals at work within its doors is a very daunting one but for these reaction officers it is part of a day’s work and they don’t hesitate when called to duty.”

He added that it was overwhelming to see the levels of bravery, resilience, commitment and loyalty of the recipients in a volatile crime environment that created unique challenges for the private security industry.

“We can be so very proud of the persistence, professionalism and bravery shown by our officers, who are deserving of these awards and the recognition they have received from the security industry.” Yaseen Theba of Vision Tactical, which saw three employees take home awards, said the event was a testament to the “tremendous efforts and sacrifices made by the officers in the line of duty”.

Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale

“We would like to commend each and every officer in the team for continually going above and beyond the call of duty to keep our communities safe. Receiving these prestigious awards proves that what we are doing does not go unnoticed.” One of the South African security industry’s calendar events, the 2019 Bravery and Crime Prevention Awards ceremony attracted more than 600 representatives and recipients from around the country.

POSTHUMOUS

Fidelity ADT 25

National Security and Fire 4

24/7 Security 2

Marshal Nights 1

Bidvest Protea Coin 2

Total 34