Security Focus Africa October 2020 Vol 38 No 10

www.securityfocusafrica.com | Vol 38 No10 October 2020 The official industry journal for professional risk practitioners: security, safety, health, environment and quality assurance

Zondo vs Zuma Where to from here?

In conversation with Hein Kern of Secutel Technologies

Upping the school & campus security game during Covid-19 Organised crime in South Africa: the latest trends Global overview: news snippets from around the world

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securityfocusafrica.com Security Focus Africa has been marketing suppliers to buyers in Africa since 1980, and is the official industry journal of the Security Association of South Africa. Our readers form the core of Southern Africa’s buyers and decision-makers in the security products and services industry.

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Security Focus Africa: Serving the South African security industry for 38 years

CONTENTS

VOL 38 NO 10 OCTOBER 2020

16 MAIN FEATURE:

CAMPUS SECURITY Security Focus quarter page October 2020.pdf 1 2020/10/08 14:24:39

UPPING THE CAMPUS SECURITY GAME DURING COVID-19 USING TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

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The threat landscape for educational facilities the world over has expanded hugely on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic, from both a physical safety perspective and that of related cybercrime.

SPECIAL REPORT 30 ORGANISED CRIME IN AFRICA

The rush for cash during Covid-19 highlights conflicting interests in South Africa.

DELIVERING PEACE OF MIND FOR ALL INDUSTRIES Nemtek is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of innovative electric fencing products used by many governments, local authorities and industries to protect their utilities, correctional facilities and defence infrastructures.

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Mining sites, solar farms, oil refineries and steel industries often need to be protected from intruders, both from a safety and a security point of view. We deliver peace of mind with our range of fencing solutions, modular designed energizers to enable multiple fence zones, and our monitoring technology which allows for advanced warning of any fence breach or tampering.

Contact our Head Office for more information on 011 462 8283 or websales@nemtek.co.za 2 SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020 www.nemtek.com

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Official Journal of the Security Association of South Africa

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Published by Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd (Reg No. 1981/011920/07)

Vol 38 No 10

TEL: (031) 764 6977

32 our children.

ASSOCIATION NEWS 5 All about the Security Association of South Africa.

SCHOOL SECURITY 6 School emergency planning is an opportunity for security service providers to shine.

NEWS 8 Sophos launches Rapid Response

Service to identify and neutralise active cybersecurity attacks.

13 Infinidat joins forces with

VMware to tackle IoT security threats.

NEWS IN BRIEF 10 News snippets from around the world.

INDUSTRY OPINION 14 Experts on Demand - the ideal

solution for educational institutions that need to ensure health and safety amid the ongoing pandemic.

15 Managed security services can be

a lifeline for SMBs navigating a

shark-infested cyberthreat environment.

19 Leveraging communications

technology to enhance physical security.

22 Simplicity and innovation are

critical to effective data management. securityfocusafrica.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za

EDITOR:

REGULARS EDITOR’S COMMENT 4 Lessons from and obligations to

FAX: 086 762 1867

Ingrid Olivier

DIGITAL SAFETY 20 Microsoft study shows

bullying remains an issue with

4 in 10 teens involved; adults, too.

PERSONALITY PROFILE 24 Hein Kern, Head of Sales for

Secutel Technologies.

ON THE MARKET 23 Staycation or vacation- ensure

your alarm does its job.

26 Black-woman-owned Tsoabelo Security Solutions shows strong growth in security industry.

28 Absa Lionesses Xpo to showcase game-changing women entrepreneurs on

virtual platform.

28 T-Systems South Africa Launches Cyber Security Academy.

SUCCESS STORY 29 Cybersecurity Services for the

Future- Automate, Adapt and Overcome.

LAW AND SECURITY 32 Zondo Commission, recusal

and the way forward for the rule of law?

ingrid@securityfocusafrica.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Vincent Goode vincent@contactpub.co.za

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa

PUBLICATION DETAILS: Security Focus Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly, with the annual Buyers’ Guide in December. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, we will only be publishing digitally until further notice.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Editorial contributions are welcome.

For details please email editorial@securityfocusafrica.co.za.

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Malcolm King Email: malcolm@contactpub.co.za

Security Focus Africa is a member of

34 DIRECTORY

www.securityfocusafrica.com 3

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Lessons from and

obligations to our children

I

live in an apartment that looks out over the complex’s communal soccer pitch. Every afternoon, children gather here to kick a ball around.

From toddlers to young adults and every age in-between, they play until it’s dark or it rains. An empty-nester with my son in another part of the world, the sound of children playing used to make my heart ache… what I wouldn’t give to be able to hug my own child whose birthday is around the corner. But then it occurred to me that the children on the grass below are my children, too. While we may not be their biological parents who make school lunches for them, fight with them to do their homework, read stories to them at bedtime or beg them to turn their music down, every single adult who comes into contact with a child has a duty to lead by example. And yet, watching the cosmopolitan mix of young humans dashing around on the grass below, I realise that we, as adults, can learn from them and that in many ways, they are setting an example for us. They don’t do racism. They look after the littlest ones with kindness and patience. Newcomers are welcome to join in and old friends embrace each other like they hadn’t seen each just the day before. They are colourand religion-blind, they are authentic and they use their energy in a positive way that connects and binds. That said, it doesn’t in any way negate our duty, as adults, to protect them from physical, emotional, sexual and verbal abuse, bullying and crime. As a country, we’re failing many of our 20 million children dismally. Mark Heywood, in his article “The year of children’s broken dreams”, published in the Maverick Citizen1, says that 2020 has been a bad year to be a child. He quotes child protection and development specialist Luke Lamprecht, saying: “According to Lamprecht, when the National Coronavirus Command Council decided to lockdown our country in March they ‘just didn’t see children’ never mind made contingency plans for their well-being. They didn’t listen to the handful of child advocates who tried to offer counsel. Since then, children have had dreams put on hold or broken altogether; schooling has been disrupted; 4

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

families separated; and food and social security systems taken away from them.

Many have been locked in homes with their abusers and locked out of care systems. Some have directly experienced the death of loved ones; most have experienced fear of death. They have to navigate their ways through the war zones of many of our gang, crime and poverty ridden communities.” And while already-financially burdened and underresourced organisations are struggling to deal with this, the government’s Department of Social Development is still to release its latest “National Plan of Action for Children”.

Something else that concerns me deeply is trolling. USA-based cyberthreat intelligence provider Webroot, in its article on trolls2, says “they spread lies, deceive and cause damage, and they enjoy every minute they can make someone else miserable. They may be obnoxious teens, but more often than not they’re seemingly “normal” adults who use internet anonymity to shed their veneer of decency and show their ugly selves. Trolls are basically like cyberbullies on steroids – cowards afraid to show their face but nastier and more dedicated than gardenvariety bullies.” Note that the majority of trolls, according to Webroot, are adults.

Bullies Out, a UK-based non-profit anti-bullying organisation says internet vitriol is growing … and that “in its most extreme form, it is a criminal offence.”3 Further, it warns that: “The impact of trolling shouldn’t be underestimated – it has greatly affected the mental health of those targeted, and in some cases has even caused those persecuted to want to take their own lives.”

What’s also alarming are the numbers: Christo Petrov, in his article “47 Alarming Cyberbullying Statistics for 2020”4 on technical expert company TechJury, gives the following statistics: • Only 38% of cyberbullying victims are willing to admit it to their parents • 34% of kids in the USA have experienced cyberbullying at least once • Cyberbullying victims are 1.9 times more likely to commit suicide • 210 out of 1000 victims of bullying are high school girls with different skin

colour • 68% of children that have gone through online harassment have experienced mental health issues • 42% of LGBT youth have experienced cyberbullying • 66% of female victims have feelings of powerlessness because of cyberbullying • 33% of teenagers have sent explicit images or text to someone else at least once What kind of people get pleasure or gratification out of hurting others like this? According to N C Asthana, author of the article: “Inside the Minds of Internet Trolls: A Psychological Analysis” published on The Wire5, “trolls are characterised by the ‘Dark Tetrad’ of personality traits, including psychopathy, Machiavellianism, Narcissism and sadism.”

That our children are in more danger than they have ever been is deeply concerning. How do we protect them in today’s world, which is reeling from Covid-19, just to add to the challenges?

And especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who don’t have access to protective software, knowledgeable and trained adults, or even regular meals and decent masks for that matter.

I am sure Madiba would be heartbroken about what’s happening to our children, the children he loved so much during his life.

Ingrid Olivier, Editor ingridolivier@idotwrite.co.za 1. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-11-17the-year-of-childrens-broken-dreams-and-how-torepair-them/ 2. https://www.webroot.com/za/en/resources/tips-articles/ you-cant-win-an-argument-with-a-troll 3. https://bulliesout.com/need-support/young-people/ trolling/ 4. https://techjury.net/blog/cyberbullying-statistics/#gref 5. https://thewire.in/communalism/internet-trollspsychology

securityfocusafrica.com

ASSOCIATION NEWS

SASA UPDATE

All about the Security Association of South Africa W

hat is SASA?

The Security Association of South Africa (SASA) is a professional not-forprofit organisation that advocates, promotes and drives industry compliance within South Africa’s private security industry.

SASA is also the largest employers’ association in the security sector, providing a range of services that benefit employers, employees and consumers.

Established more than 50 years ago, SASA is a staunch advocate of industry compliance, serving as a resource for its members, an educational platform for consumers, and an important link between the private security industry and government.

SASA, which is nationally recognised by the SA government, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and consumers, only grants membership to companies with proven track records and which abide by its strict code of ethics.

SASA Hotline: SASA is committed to driving compliance in the security industry and encourages members to report contraventions or complaints on its hotline: 0800 005 911

Dispute Resolution The recently established National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) will, once the structures have been fully established, handle all labour relations disputes, but – in the interim – the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), will continue to fulfil this function.

Compliance The NBCPSS is already in the process of establishing its Compliance Division, which will be conducting routine and complaint-driven inspections, with the first group of “agents” (inspectors) already officially appointed and on board.

These agents will initially focus on registering the more than 10,000 PSIRA registered and active security service providers with the NBCPSS, so that the statutory levies, R7.00 per employee and

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matched equally by the employer, can be collected to enable the Council to have the funding to fulfil its legal mandate.

This Division will conduct compliance inspections and will have the statutory powers of “search and seizure” with regard to compliance with the Main Agreement of the NBCPSS. The Council will also have the mandate to audit payrolls, to ensure that every security service provider abides by the minimum conditions of the Main Agreement relating to monthly remuneration levels, employment benefits and conditions of employment.

The Council is empowered to issue claims for underpayment and, following due process, obtain writs of execution against defaulting employers, which will be exercised by the Sheriff of the Court to attach company assets in settlement of such amounts owing to affected employees. This will greatly improve the level of compliance in the private security sector and in eradicating the gross exploitation that currently exists in our sector.

Benefits of SASA membership: • A strictly applied Code of Ethics • Representation at national and local government level • Industry exposure in the media as well as at major shows and exhibitions • Contacts and networking opportunities • Discounted training courses, events and seminars • Access to a security library managed by UNISA • Updates on new legislation and other industry-relevant information • Access to security-related and affiliated associations in South Africa and overseas • The SASA national website • A central administration office • Free subscription to Security Focus Africa magazine, the official journal of SASA • A mentorship programme which is designed to guide and assist start-up security companies with attaining the compliance standards required to qualify for Gold Membership

Peace Clause It must also be stressed that the Protocol Agreement concluded between the two participating employer organisations (SASA being the largest) and the 23 participating trade unions at the Bargaining Council contains a “peace clause” in terms of which none of those unions may enter into shop-floor negotiations with any member (in good standing) of the participating employer organisations in respect of any matter which had been tabled, negotiated or traded off at the most recent wage negotiation process. This is a “life saver” clause for a SASA member and a serious threat to any company that is not a member of SASA.

Bargaining Council Legislation The relevant legislation and collective agreements concluded between “organised employers” and “organised labour”, as above, can be found and downloaded from the SASA website at www.sasecurity.co.za under the Governing Legislation tab on the home page.

These are critically important documents and ignorance of the contents thereof will be no excuse if your company is found to be non-compliant with either the Main Agreement or Levies Agreement.

NBCPSS Training SASA offers training in the correct interpretation and application of the NBCPSS legislation. Please contact them for further information.

The NBCPSS can be contacted via their website at www.nbcpss.org.za.

For more information about what SASA does and how it can help you and your company, please contact Tony Botes, SASA National Administrator, at: Tel: 0861 100 680

083 650 4981 Email: info@sasecurity.co.za Website: www.sasecurity.co.za

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

5

NEWS SCHOOL SECURITY

School emergency planning is an opportunity

for security service providers to shine

As schools revise their emergency plans, Covid-19 is creating opportunities for the security industry.

F

actoring Covid-19 into school emergency plans, which should ideally be reassessed and updated annually, presents South Africa’s security service providers with an unusual opportunity to garner market share.

According to an article by ScholarChip, a USA-based company that specialises in school security1, the landscape of school safety planning has changed significantly thanks to the pandemic. The result, it asserts, is growing demand for access control systems and touchless technology.

ScholarChip makes the point that schools need to plan for second (and possibly more) waves of the pandemic as has happened throughout the world.

This suggests that security product manufacturers and service providers have an important role to play when it comes to providing relevant advice and products.

“Even if a second wave is less severe

6

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

than the first, schools must understand that planning for a pandemic requires new thinking,” says ScholarChip.

“Administrators need to start with an after-action review of what did and didn’t work in the final months of the 20192020 school year. This will help identify gaps and areas for improvement. Start by asking questions about the strategies used. Did your distance-learning technologies work well? What problems occurred? How were they addressed, and how long did it take to do so?”

enforce safety and wellness procedures,” it says. “Limiting visitor access to the building by restricting them to the office or escorting them only to specific destinations further reduces risk.

Regardless of the strategies used to limit outside exposure, tracking visitors and contact information is crucial. A visitor management solution will allow the school to maintain contact with outsiders.

This will simplify communication in the event of an outbreak.”

Security hardening

What can schools be doing better?

In order to limit the scope for infection, ScholarChip strongly advocates that schools install hard security products such as access control systems. “Monitored access and locked exterior doors force visitors to enter the building at specific points, where staff can complete and

In his article “What can schools be doing better?”2 on the Accredited Schools Online website, school safety expert Jason Russell says the biggest hurdle in school emergency preparedness is understanding the importance and need for training.

Russell, who is the president and CEO of

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SCHOOL SECURITY NEWS Secure Education Consultants (SEC), served with the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent and has taught criminal investigation and security courses as an adjunct professor. “In emergencies people don’t rise to the occasion, they sink to the level of their training. Training is the most important piece of the emergency preparedness puzzle, so schools should focus more of their safety budgets on training staff,” he says.

Included in his suggestions for safer educational facilities is that administrators “seek expertise in the design phase” of physical security systems. “Often the architects designing schools have little to no experience with security. When the process is done the schools are left with security features they have not been properly trained to use.”

When it comes to assessing school risk, Russell maintains that the first step is to assess natural disaster risks in their areas.

These include fires, storms, landslides and extreme temperatures. On the subject of fire, he says: “Between 2007 and 2011, fire departments in the U.S. responded to about 5,700 structure fires in educational facilities. Seventy-one percent of those fires were in K-12 schools, and about half of them were intentionally set. The remaining half of fires in schools occur unintentionally from things like malfunctioning heating units or chemicals interacting in a chemistry lab. Emergency preparation should not be limited to indoor fires. Wildfires can pose real threats to schools, especially those along the West and in rural areas, where dry climates and wind cause fires to move and grow rapidly.”

Most South African schools are not prepared for emergencies Most South African schools are relatively ill-prepared to deal with emergency situations, says local website Safer Schools3.

“More so now than ever before, schools are faced with the challenge of being prepared to deal with a plethora of crises, from medical emergencies to threats of violence, from severe weather to service delivery strikes, and from sexual abuse to kidnapping. It is therefore important for schools not to work in isolation, but to establish relationships with law enforcement and fire department officials, medical practitioners and local municipalities, and to coordinate plans with these potential partners before a crisis occurs.”

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The ideal school emergency plan Agile Security USA has a succinct and relevant school security plan for schools that highlights the opportunities for security service providers:4 Its suggestions include: 1. Limiting access to schools by providing a single entrance for students, staff and visitors. Other access doors must be locked and checked periodically to make certain that they haven’t been tampered with, it says, and checking needs to extend to windows, too.

2. Monitoring parking areas. This needs to be done 24/7 by an armed security guard and with the focus on people leaving and entering.

3. Monitoring common areas. Cafeterias, hallways and playgrounds need to be monitored constantly, ideally with video surveillance equipment.

4. Hiring professional security officials.

5. Keeping a visitor’s log. It should be mandatory for all visitors to check in at the main reception or security desk and be assigned visitors’ badges.

Staff need to be trained to look out for strangers roaming around the premises without badges and to report suspicious activity to security immediately.

6. Conducting threat and risk assessments. Proper procedures need to be defined and assessed by specialists.

7. Reviewing emergency plans and protocols. Key areas include lockdown, evacuation and communication procedures. Schools must share them with the staff, students, and parents and provide

training to all regarding how to respond in such emergency situations. Again, this is the job for experts.

8. Conducting seminars and lectures on violence prevention.

9. Making students part of the security system.

10. Implementing an anonymous reporting system.

11. Creating a core security team. Their responsibilities will include locking and unlocking school buildings and key control.

12. Keeping rooms locked when not in use.

13. Implementing a two-way communication in classrooms.

All classrooms should be able to communicate directly with the security or administration offices via microphone and speaker.

In a world where violence, bullying, gangs, drugs, sexual predation, theft, murder, rape and cybercrime along with Covid-19 are rampant in learning facilities, security experts have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference – and a living.

1. https://www.scholarchip.com/schoolsafety-planning/ 2. https://www.accreditedschoolsonline. org/resources/emergency-preparednessin-school/ 3. https://www.saferschools.co. za/#:~:text=Safer%20Schools%20 started%20as%20a,Primary%2C%20 Primary%20and%20Secondary%20 schools 4. https://agilesecurityusa.com/14-ideasto-improve-school-security/) SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

7

NEWS

Sophos launches Rapid Response Service to identify and neutralise active cybersecurity attacks

Lightning-fast incident response minimises attack damage and reduces recovery time.

Sophos Rapid Response identifies first use of Buer Malware Dropper to deliver ransomware in new wave of Ryuk attacks.

SOUTH AFRICA, 2 November 2020

S

ophos, a global leader in nextgeneration cybersecurity, today announced the availability of Sophos Rapid Response, an industry-first, fixed-fee remote incident response service that identifies and neutralises active cybersecurity attacks throughout its entire 45-day term of engagement. Sophos Rapid Response provides organisations with a dedicated 24/7 team of incident responders, threat hunters and threat analysts to quickly stop advanced attacks and remove adversaries from their networks, minimising damage and costs, and reducing recovery time.

Sophos Rapid Response has identified the first known use of the Buer malware dropper to deliver ransomware. In new research published today from Sophos Rapid Response and SophosLabs, “Hacks for sale: Inside the Buer Loader Malwareas-a-Service,” Sophos details how Buer 8

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

compromises Windows PCs, and enables attackers to deliver a payload. Sophos Rapid Response made the discovery while mitigating a recent Ryuk ransomware attack, which was detected and stopped as part of a wave of Ryuk attacks using new tools, techniques and procedures. In this incident, the relentless attackers used a new variant of Buer in an attempt to launch Ryuk ransomware, before expanding their efforts to mix the use of Buer with other types of loader malware.

“When you are hit with an attack, time is of the essence. Every minute between initial compromise and neutralisation counts as adversaries race through the attack lifecycle,” said Joe Levy, chief technology officer at Sophos. “Advanced attacks can quickly halt business operations, and IT managers who have experienced ransomware first hand know this all too well, reporting the need to

spend proportionately more time on incident response and less time on threat prevention than those who haven’t been hit. Sophos Rapid Response disrupts active attacks, eliminating the complex and time consuming process of stopping determined attackers, so organisations can get back to their normal operations faster.”

Sophos Rapid Response neutralises a wide range of security incidents, including ransomware, network breaches, hands-on keyboard adversaries, and more. The Sophos Rapid Response team can be onboarded and activated within hours, and the majority of attacks triaged within 48 hours.

“This year, devastating ransomware attacks have unfortunately been a gold rush for cybercriminals, and it’s unlike anything the cybersecurity industry has ever experienced. Nearly 85% of the attacks that Sophos Rapid Response has been

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NEWS involved in thus far included ransomware – notably Ryuk, REvil and Maze – and I can say with confidence that most of the other attacks that we were called in to stop would have also resulted in ransomware had we not acted so quickly,” said Peter Mackenzie, incident response manager at Sophos. “Readily accessible tools make it possible for attackers to net bigger pay-outs in one week’s worth of work than most people will make in their lifetime.

Criminals infiltrate networks and stealthily plan their attacks in the background, before strategically launching ransomware as the final payload – often during the overnight hours when no one is watching in order to execute on as many machines as possible. Sophos Rapid Response takes immediate action to extinguish the fire, which in the case of a hospital that we helped this month after it was hit by Ryuk ransomware and forced to shut down, meant the difference of life or death.”

Sophos Rapid Response is part of Sophos Managed Threat Response (MTR), a global team that provides proactive, fullymanaged threat hunting, detection and response services. As one of the industry’s most widely used managed detection and response (MDR) services with more than 1,400 customers, Sophos MTR stands apart with its ability to proactively take action on an organisation’s behalf to mitigate threats in real time.

Once immediate threats are neutralised during a Rapid Response engagement, the Sophos Rapid Response program shifts to continuous monitoring with around-theclock proactive threat hunting, investigation, detection, and response from the Sophos MTR team. A threat investigation report details discoveries made, actions taken and other remediation recommendations, helping organisations understand attack origination as well as what assets were compromised, and data accessed and exfiltrated.

Sophos Rapid Response is available now to both existing and non-Sophos customers. Unlike traditional incident response and forensic services that require complex and protracted deployments with hourly pricing structures, Sophos Rapid Response is a remote offering with a fixed pricing model based on an organisation’s number of users and servers. Sophos Rapid Response is also structured to accommodate businesses of all sizes, including smaller organisations, which until now have not been able to easily leverage a service such as this without requiring a retainer.

securityfocusafrica.com

What analysts and channel partners say: “Cyberattacks are getting worse and more sophisticated. As we’ve seen this year, no one is off limits, even in a time of crisis. Organisations need to ready themselves as more than 85 per cent of security professional survey respondents typically tell IDC that they have experienced at least one security breach in the past two years that involved the spending of significant extra resources to rectify,” said Frank Dickson, program vice president at IDC. “Sophos Rapid Response is an offering that no one wants until they need it. Many organisations are simply either not prepared to fight an active attack or want to respond more quickly and aggressively than internal resources alone allow. With predictable, fixed-fee pricing and the ability for same-day activation, Sophos Rapid Response provides certainty when customers want it most.”

“A charitable organisation providing housing and support services to thousands of vulnerable adults was hit by ransomware, taking down operations at all of its more than 40 facilities. The organisation called us for help, and we immediately deployed Sophos Rapid Response. Working together with Sophos Rapid Response, we were able to get them back up and running quickly so they could continue serving those in need,”

said Steve Weeks, president at Netcetera.

“Netcetera clients already running Sophos’ next-generation security suite are well protected, and we haven’t seen a ransomware incident in our managed client base in many years. When we get a call for help from new clients, however, I will always bring in Sophos Rapid Response. The highly responsive team is rock solid in its ability to work with us and get compromised organisations out of the danger zone, and ultimately, help us to close new business opportunities.”

“Sophos Rapid Response perfectly complements our existing in-house incident response services, advancing our ability to provide proactive preparedness plans and immediate support in worstcase scenarios. We are not just selling a transactional service – with Sophos Rapid Response, we are fixing long-term problems and preventing them from happening again,” said Jeremy Weiss, cybersecurity practice lead at CDW. “I have seen firsthand how the Sophos Rapid Response team is able to cut through all of the noise to quickly remediate security incidents within hours, and the feedback from customers has been nothing but exceptional. Sophos Rapid Response is an instrumental offering that elevates our customers’ security posture to the next level.”

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

9

ASSOCIATION NEWS

News snippets from around the world South Africa’s most-wanted: 10 SA nationals on Interpol ‘red list’

Interpol have a clutch of South Africans on their ‘red list’. Here’s what you need to know about the most-wanted criminals from our shores. South Africa has a rather uncomfortable relationship with crime.

The statistics can be a tough read upon their annual publication, and some of our biggest cities are renowned for their criminal elements. So it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that 10 SA nationals feature on Interpol’s most-wanted list.

WHAT IS THE INTERPOL RED LIST? The infamous ‘wall of shame’ features thousands of lawbreakers from all across the world. They are fugitives who have, in one way or another, managed to abscond justice. The Interpol ‘red list’ gathers intel on their crimes, identities, and personal information – and gives sweeping powers to regional authorities who suspect they may have located one of these suspects: “Red Notices are issued for fugitives wanted either for prosecution or to serve a sentence. A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.”

(Source: www.thesouthafrican.com/)

Cybercrime on the rise again, customers urged to be cautious Businesses are also at risk, with cyber criminals using various means to try to access their banking or customer data.

Cybercrime is on the rise again as more people are using digital platforms to work, shop and do their banking.

“Fraudsters are constantly looking for new ways to get your information,” said Giuseppe Virgillito from FNB’s digital 10

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

of repeat offenders.

However, the bill was put on hold pending a proposal to the minister of Home Affairs to investigate the feasibility of the extension of buccal sampling to all citizens in the country and not just criminals.

(Source: www.businesstech.co.za) banking department.

“When customers or businesses let their guard down in transacting or operating digitally, it gives fraudsters more opportunity to commit their crimes.”

Virgillito said fraudsters go to any means to get individuals or organisations to divulge their personal or financial information, often by tricking them with technology.

(Source: www.citizen.co.za)

Government wants to ‘track’ all South Africans from birth – here’s why

The Civilian Secretariat for Police provided an update on a number of proposed pieces of legislation it is considering to parliament this week, including a new bill which could allow for the tracking of South Africans from birth in an effort to help combat crime.

The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act came into operation in January 2015 and provides for, among other things, the taking of buccal samples – a sample of a person’s saliva taken from the person’s mouth – from all convicted Schedule 8 offenders for the purposes of forensic DNA analysis.

The purpose of the updated bill is to strengthen this legislation for criminal investigations and ensure the prosecution

Sword-wielding man arrested after Halloween deaths in Quebec

A man dressed in medieval clothing and armed with a Japanese sword was arrested Sunday on suspicion of killing two people and wounding five others on Halloween near the historic Château Frontenac hotel in Quebec City. The attack on randomly chosen victims went on for nearly 21/2 hours while police pursued the man, armed with a katana, throughout the city’s downtown core on foot, Quebec Police Chief Robert Pigeon said. Quebec’s prosecutor’s office said Carl Girouard, 24, faces two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder.

(Source: www.msn.com)

Criminal records for admission of guilt offences to be expunged, says Minister

In a move likely to benefit thousands of

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NEWS IN BRIEF South Africans, criminal records – including some of those obtained during the Covid-19 pandemic – will be expunged, according to Deputy Justice Minister John Jeffery.

Jeffery told Sunday Independent that a review of the regulations in the Judicial Matters Bill had been on the cards long before lockdown, with the intention to wipe the slate clean for people with records for certain categories of admission of guilt offences.

The deputy minister said many people had paid admission of guilt fines as an “easy solution”, without knowing that this would leave them with criminal records. The government was now looking at removing the criminal records of those who found themselves in this situation. “We have identified for a while that in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, there is a problem with admission of guilt fines resulting in people having criminal records,” Jeffery said.

More than 150 000 people have criminal records over Covid-19 regulation breaches alone – though this figure, according to the deputy minister, could be higher.

(Source: www.iol.co.za)

Mob kills Eastern Cape man believed to have murdered 6-year-old girl

The police condemned all acts of vigilantism and public violence.

A man from Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape was chased, assaulted and eventually murdered by a mob who believed he had killed a 6-year-old girl.

The group was seemingly convinced the man had raped and killed the girl on Tuesday and left her body on the side of the road.

Senior police management in the Eastern Cape has strongly condemned the acts of vigilantism which led to the death of the man, who was in his twenties.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni, a case of murder has been opened for investigation.

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“Police are following strong leads and no arrests have been made as yet,” he said.

(Source: www.citizen.co.za)

Chicago gun violence still up 50% through end of October as other crime falls

Shootings and murders have risen over 50% in 2020 compared with the same period last year.

Meanwhile, 67 Chicago police officers have been shot at — 10 of them struck by bullets — so far this year. That’s nearly a four-fold increase from last year when 17 officers were shot at, two of them struck by gunfire.

These are some of the new crime statistics, released Sunday by the Chicago Police Department, showing trends through the end of October.

Despite skyrocketing gun violence — against citizens and police — the CPD said other crime decreased in 2020 as a Coronavirus pandemic shut down much of the city.

Overall crime fell 7% during the first 10 months of 2020 compared with the same time last year, the department said.

The largest reduction in crime was theft, which dropped 27% from last year, the department said. Reports of burglary also fell 6% this year compared with 2019.

Month-to-month, burglary declined 27% in October 2020 compared with October 2019. The department also says it’s seeing 20-year lows in burglary, robbery, theft and overall crime.

(Source: www.chicago.suntimes.com)

Police sergeant among 10 suspects arrested for ATM bombings Police say explosives believed to be used in

the ATM bombing at a mall were among the items seized.

A police sergeant is among seven more suspects arrested for ATM bombings in Limpopo, bringing the total number of arrests to 10. Police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nneke Ledwaba welcomed the arrests. The arrests follow an ATM bombing in the early hours of Wednesday morning at Mahlakung mall in Ga-Sekororo outside Tzaneen. Ngoepe said, following the arrests of the seven suspects, including a 41-year-old police detective sergeant, the total number of those arrested in connection with the ATM bombing now stands at 10. Ngoepe said the suspects allegedly entered the mall, accosted a security officer and blasted two ATMs and drop safes. “They then proceeded to a cellphone store and blasted open another drop safe. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken,” Ngoepe said.

(Source: www.citizen.co.za)

Colchester drug crime is up by 90% as police hunt dealers

Drug offences have soared by 94 per cent in Colchester over the past year, new figures have revealed.

Stats released from the Office for National Statistics showed there were 1,056 drug offences in a 12-month period. This was up from 543 the year before. Violent crime also rose slightly with 7,628 incidents in 12 months - an increase of 294 cases or four per cent compared to the previous year.

One of the main factors behind the increase was the “rise in violence without injury” which rose by ten per cent, from 2,944 incidents to 3,247. These latest figures, which include part of the coronavirus lockdown period, show a significant drop in theft, robbery and burglary.

In all, the total number of offences in Colchester fell by one per cent, with police recording 18,095 crimes over the course of a year up until this June.

(Source: www.gazette-news.co.uk) SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

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NEWS IN BRIEF Police arrest more suspects linked to Magalies mountain crime spike

domestic abuse charges.

Because of how House Bill 3251 redefined domestic abuse, the domestic violence offender could now face more prison time if convicted. The bill reclassifies four domestic abuse charges, including domestic abuse by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon, as violent crimes.

(Source: www.kjrh.com)

South Africa Remains a Top The suspects are linked to armed robberies, kidnapping and murder cases that have been plaguing the area for months. Four suspects have been added to the growing list of suspects linked to a recent spate of robberies and other serious crimes in Theo Martins Poort, in the Magalies mountain area along the R80 Mabopane highway. Last weekend, five suspects were arrested, bringing the total of suspects to nine. The suspects, which were arrested last weekend, were linked to an armed robbery case, which took place in Akasia in September, as well as kidnapping, murder and armed robberies. Three of the suspects were arrested at a hideout in Marabastad on 14 October. The other two were already in custody, after their alleged involvement in armed robberies. They appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on 19 October. Police said a number of victims have come forward in the past week, which led to the latest arrests. Three of the latest suspects are linked to a murder reported to Akasia SAPS in September, and a fourth suspect, who is 19 years old, has been linked to two armed robbery cases, reported to Pretoria North and Hercules SAPS, in May and August respectively.

(Source: www.citizen.co.za)

Domestic abuse now reclassified as a violent crime in Oklahoma

Hotspot for Cargo Crime South Africa ranks among the top countries in the world, and first on the African continent, for BSI’s forecasted losses due to cargo theft, underscoring the significant economic impact of this issue in the nation. Historically, there is an inverse relationship between crime and economic growth in South Africa.

However, this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the impacts of lockdowns and a decline in the economy, an additional layer was added to that relationship.

The economic decline, along with the changes brought about by a restrictive lockdown in response to Covid-19 earlier this year, left the freight sector in a vulnerable situation. South Africa is an environment traditionally characterised by cargo truck hijackings. Further, crossborder truck congestion and slower freight clearance created secondary disruptions that leave cargo even more susceptible to theft and general violence.

(Source: www.aviationpros.com)

Amsterdam to focus on new approach for helping sex crime victims As of 1 November, Oklahoma’s list of violent crimes expanded to include four domestic abuse charges. Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill in May defining the four 12

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

Amsterdam will focus more on tailor-made and individual-based aid for girls and young women who were victims of a sex crime like gang rape, sexual exploitation, or sextortion, the city said in a press release.

The municipality is thereby following advice from the National Raporteur on Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Against Children. At the request of Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema, Rapporteur Herman Bolhaar investigated how to better protect and help these girls and young women.

Bolhaar analysed the cases of 10 Amsterdam teenage girls who became “entangled in a web of sex, street culture and violence”, the municipality said in a press statement. This sometimes included sexual contact in the gray area between consent and rape. There were sexual contacts in exchange for money, drugs, or expensive clothing, sometimes involving multiple girls and multiple boys and men.

The girls were also blackmailed through social media.

(Source: www.nltimes.nl)

Senekal killing: Brendin Horner murder suspects back in court

Sekola Matlaletsa and Sekwetje Mahlamba appeared in the Senekal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 20 October, but the matter was postponed. The two men accused of being behind the savage killing of farm manager Brendin Horner, are expected to once again appear before the Senekal Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 October 2020 to continue their application for bail. Sekola Matlaletsa and Sekwetje Mahlamba are said to have strangled the 21-year-old man to death and stabbed him multiple times on 1 October. His lifeless body was tied to a pole and a rope was around his neck – the gruesome discovery was made by Horner’s own father, Robbie, on the DeRots farm outside Paul Roux.

(Source: www.thesouthafrican.com)

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NEWS

Infinidat joins forces with VMware to tackle IoT security threats

Infinidat, the market’s leading provider of multi-petabyte data storage solutions, today announced it has joined forces with VMware to deliver a comprehensive software-defined data centre solution that tackles current and evolving IoT Edge security threats.

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ll industries are undergoing major digital transformation, leveraging technology to improve customer experiences, operational efficiency, enhance business agility, and create competitive advantage. IoT solutions play an essential part in meeting these objectives, as they enable digital transformation processes by extending software control of physical assets to optimise performance and enhance flexibility. A recent report, Worldwide Global DataSphere IoT Device and Data Forecast, 2019–2023 from International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that there will be 41.6 billion connected IoT devices, and yet data also shows that large companies, typically with 10,00025,000 network devices in their IT estate, are using devices that are aging and prone to failure. Concerningly, the latest Unit 42 IoT Threat Report, identifies that nearly three quarters of enterprise security professionals feel that their current security controls are inadequate for unmanaged and IoT devices, leaving organisations vulnerable to new IoTtargeted threats.

“Connected edge and IoT networks pose a significant security risk to a

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business as they expand the susceptibility of the enterprise IT network. In response to this risk Infinidat and VMware offer a validated framework from which current and future enterprise customers can build consistent, innovative security infrastructures in a software defined data centre (SDDC) environment,” said Ken Steinhardt, Field CTO at Infinidat.

The framework addresses and provides a solution to three key challenges: • Protecting against IoT and edge security threats • Improving network management via a scalable back-end security monitoring platform, designed to analyse data from current and evolving CPE • Ensuring compliance and operational efficiencies, which are both auditable and scalable as well as cost-efficient “Reducing risk across the IoT threat landscape is the top priority on every CIO’s technology agenda,” continued Ken Steinhardt, Field CTO at Infinidat. “It’s a compelling start to any conversation, when we say we can increase security event detection in parallel to reducing risk from data breaches, fraud or IP thefts. This collaboration is a significant step forward in addressing that vulnerability and shortfall.”

Whilst cyber-attacks on IoT devices increased by 300% in 2019 according to F-Secure, IT and security teams have the added pressure of being able to demonstrate compliance. However, in today’s environment very few teams, with large device networks, have the ability to effectively and efficiently meet this need. Reducing the complexity and cost of storage infrastructures can also lead to improved audit capabilities and reporting, which goes a long way to meeting compliance demands in the short and long term.

The VMware Validated Design (VVD) framework is complemented by Infinidat’s multi-petabyte scale data storage capabilities, which enables previously unattainable scale, performance, cost-efficiency and volume of data retained to be achieved while improving data visibility, control and risk mitigation.

For more information Automating IoT Edge Security and Compliance https://www.infinidat.com/

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

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INDUSTRY OPINION

Experts on Demand the ideal solution for educational institutions that need to ensure health and safety amid the ongoing pandemic • As schools are set to reopen, educational institutions will come under pressure to ensure the health and safety of staff and learner • Additional resources will have to be deployed to fill roles that did not exist before • TES can help source and screen candidates that are needed to fill temporary roles

By Theresa Ackerman, Manager of Operational Excellence at T-Systems South Africa Expert on Demand

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n line with the latest amended regulations gazetted by the Department of Basic Regulations, all grades will return to school before the end of August. Grade 7 and 12 learners will be heading back to the classroom earlier, under a phased approach to resume an academic year that was derailed by the global pandemic.

This move will put educational facilities under huge pressure to ensure that their environments are adequately sanitised and new procedures and measures are put in place to ensure the safety of learners and teachers.

This calls for additional resources to be deployed, such as temporary teachers, to replace permanent staff that are either ill or over the age of 60 and, as such, cannot return to work as yet. Resources will also be required to fill brand new roles responsible for taking temperatures, providing information, dispensing sanitiser and checking that teachers and learners are indeed sanitising, among others.

This need has given rise to opportunities for South Africa’s unemployed youth to gain work experience, learn new skills and generate an income. In addition, with technology playing an increasingly central role in the “new normal” of teaching methodologies, technical resources are also required to assist teachers with the transition from old teaching methods to technology-driven ones.

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Overwhelming numbers

Transition to technology

While the Department of Basic Education has set up a portal for the youth to apply for these new positions, the sheer number of applicants is likely to be overwhelming. Government already has a lot on its plate in terms of dealing with the pandemic, so the additional task of screening and interviewing thousands of candidates will prove to be a massive undertaking.

This is where Temporary Employment Services (TES), also known as Experts on Demand, can step in and help with the sourcing of candidates and screening of applicants for positions at educational institutions across South Africa. Following a process of interviewing, screening and vetting, Experts on Demand can submit a shortlist of applicants to the department, which can then make appointments with the knowledge that all the necessary checks have been done.

The department is placing specific emphasis on youth who do not necessarily have any prior work experience, such as those who matriculated last year, or are currently studying at a tertiary education institution.

While this creates an opportunity for employment, it also facilitates skills training, as some candidates will have to be trained in areas such as health and safety, and for other roles that have never existed before.

Among the new roles that are being created are those of technology experts or specialists, who will assist teachers with the transition to technology-based education methods. Many schools have invested in collaboration tools, but do not know how to set them up, or have the knowledge to train teachers and learners to use these technologies. Experts on Demand can also play a key role in sourcing and providing these technical skills.

The changing nature of the pandemic makes it necessary to rely on temporary employment to fill these new positions, which are needed during the current phase. While the pandemic might be around for longer than expected, it will not be around forever, so while technology resources might be needed today to facilitate teaching, this could change in the near future.

There is a narrow window of opportunity for Experts on Demand to assist and address a specific need, but the opportunity will eventually fade. Based on how the pandemic changes and the decisions we make as a country, different needs and opportunities could arise in future. That is why leveraging Experts on Demand is the ideal way to cater for current needs. It will ensure that educational facilities do not end up with employees on their payroll that were only needed for a certain period of time, or to carry out a specific piece of work.

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INDUSTRY OPINION

Managed security services can be a lifeline for SMBs

navigating a shark-infested cyberthreat environment therefore becomes almost impossible to maintain and manage due to the cost of attracting and retaining the right levels of qualified staff.

Benefits of an MSSP

Following the recent lockdown due to the global pandemic, many small and medium enterprises (SMB) are currently adapting to the ‘new normal’ of working remotely. They are focusing on business resilience and lessening their dependence on brick and mortar infrastructure, while continuing to operate with employees that work remotely.

By Lukas van der Merwe, Specialist Sales Executive: Security, T-Systems South Africa

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rom a cybersecurity perspective, the new way of working and operating has significantly increased the attack surface of organisations. It has also challenged security practices to support much more agile workforces, as well as accelerated digital transformation initiatives.

Companies are leveraging technologies that until recently were only seen in leading edge organisations, such as automation, big data, flexible value chains, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. At the same time, we are also seeing a greater adoption of cloud-based services and most applications have had to be adapted to become more Internet facing.

All these technologies are part of digital transformation and enable organisations to be more resilient in the face of the ongoing pandemic. However, as much as they enable productivity under lockdown restrictions, they also increase a company’s attack surface, which in turn increases the risk of cyberthreats.

Furthermore, with remote workforces, connectivity is now routed via external gateways and virtual private networks (VPNs), and these are being put under severe pressure, as most have been designed for a limited number of executives and travelling users. Now suddenly, the whole organisation is leveraging this infrastructure, and it was

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never designed for that purpose. This can have significant security implications.

Reviewing cybersecurity measures This means that technology such as data loss prevention and vulnerability management has to evolve to deal with alternative means to access. Companies are being forced to review their current security plans to ensure that they are still fit for purpose. They subsequently must ensure that employees have the latest software and virus protection, review password policies, raise cybersecurity awareness related to the pandemic, and ultimately review their incidence response plans.

However, organisations – specifically SMBs – face a number of key challenges to performing these services in-house. These include affordability and a lack of resources required to manage the changing business demands, while maintaining the appropriate levels of compliance and dealing with emerging threats.

Sponsored by IBM, “The Cyber Resilient Organisation” report, published in June, highlights that the two main reasons impacting on cybersecurity investment by organisations are affordability and skills.

The average SMB faces the reality that many of the next-generation capabilities in cybersecurity are prohibitively expensive. It

The practical solution is for SMBs to turn to a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), as these companies are ideally positioned to bolster security, while reducing CAPEX, allowing organisations to minimise cost and maximise their value for money.

An MSSP can provide SMBs with next-generation cybersecurity solutions, underpinned by cognitive ability that leverages technologies such as machine learning, AI, Security Orchestration, and Automation and Response (SOAR). All of these are complex and expensive technologies that would normally be out of reach for many smaller organisations Essentially, what an MSSP brings to an organisation is an existing investment in a broad set of technology, applied to a much broader set of customers. This technology can be leveraged to an SMB’s advantage, without having to make their own capital investment or employ and retain expensive skills.

In addition, instead of having to build new capabilities or investing in new technologies, SMBs can simply buy specific security elements from an MSSP on a consumption basis. This cost is based on factors such as the number of events an organisation processes on a daily basis, or number of workstations it runs.

Under conditions like the current pandemic, we can no longer continue to do the same things as before and expect different outcomes. As such, we need to rethink security, which means going back to basics.

While we have little control over the pandemic and the containment measures affecting the economy and the way we operate, from a cybersecurity perspective, we can control how prepared we are for cyber attacks, which in turn reduces the amount of uncertainty that organisations face. An MSSP is instrumental in providing SMBs with access to the latest technologies and resources, enabling them to protect the organisation at a time when efforts are channelled into keeping the business profitable.

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MAIN FEATURE: Campus Security

Campus security Upping the campus security game during Covid-19 using technology and innovation

The threat landscape for educational facilities the world over has expanded hugely on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic, from both a physical safety perspective and that of related cybercrime.

Already faced with the challenges of managing violence, theft, drug abuse, bullying, assault, sexual harassment and abduction, educational facilities must now factor in stricter-than-ever access control and health measures to safeguard educators, learners and staff.

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layered approach

When it comes to providing best-in-class campus security, experts such as John Nemerofsky in his article in Campus Life “A layered approach”1, believe that cutting-edge, integrated technology is critical. This includes “mobile credentialing”, biometrics, gunshot detection and mass communication systems. He explains: “Access control is a vital technology on any campus. Students need access to dorm rooms, laboratories, athletic facilities

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and many more locations. Traditional card-key or keypad solutions don’t fit well with a generation that doesn’t like to carry cards or touch commonly shared devices in the Covid-19 era. They do carry their own smartphones, making mobile credentialing an increasingly good fit for a campus access control system.”

Mobile credentialing is convenient, secure and cost-effective, he continues, since it doesn’t require people to remember PINs, it alerts them to entry attempts, and it can be reused,

transferred, issued and deactivated remotely.

Biometrics Biometrics – and specifically touchless technology such as iris and facial recognition in light of the Covid-19 pandemic – is another technology that’s gaining in popularity. “Adding biometric readers at mission-critical doors, such as laboratories using radioactive material, provides a multi-factor identity authentication in conjunction with either

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MAIN FEATURE

plastic or mobile credentials,” Nemerofsky says. It has cost-saving implications, too: the combination of biometric readers, access control systems and turnstiles means staff numbers can be reduced, and it eliminates pass-backs and card theft. It’s a “highly accurate audit trail of who entered a facility and when,” he says, pointing out further that it can be integrated with one-card systems that enable students to buy books and other commodities.

Gunshot detection and mass communication Gunshot detection technology (GDT), understandably a priority in the USA where school shootings have been a regular occurrence for many years, also has a role to play in terms of adding an additional layer to campuses in other countries, says Nemerofsky. When integrated with campus video surveillance systems and even police stations, it can provide live video feed of events, which in turn gives security officers greater situational awareness ahead of being dispatched.

Integrating GDT with mass communication systems enables campus police to warn students, including those on their way to the campus, of a potentially dangerous situation via smartphone text or email messages or via voice using high-powered speaker arrays, Nemerofsky says. He also recognises the value of drones as an additional tool in campus security systems, saying: “Small, compact drones fitted with video cameras provide live views of remote campus areas that might be difficult for officers to patrol regularly. Drones may check on sites following calls to 911 centres. During emergencies, drones equipped with speakers may share voice information over small areas. And drones can be used as hotspots, providing instant mobile coverage, allowing students to receive smartphone text and voice messages.”

Time to reimagine campus security through technology Campus Safety Magazine2 is another dynamic entity at the forefront of campus security. It counts among its vast readership campus police chiefs, security directors, IT personnel, emergency managers and executive administrators involved in the public safety and security of major hospitals, schools and universities in the United States.

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Aside from compiling and making its new downloadable guide “Physical Access Control in Higher Ed”, freely available, Campus Safety Magazine also presents topical and highly relevant webcasts such as “Reimagine Safety and Security Across Campuses” by Peter Jorjorian, Senior Safety Reimagined Solutions Manager at Motorola Solutions.

Jorjorian is passionate about his company’s creation of “a customised, integrated mission-critical technology ecosystem” for schools, hospitals and other facilities.

Writing in the Motorola Solutions Blog3, he says Motorola is building “the first unified and connected technology ecosystem that integrates critical communications, video security, data and analytics on a common operating platform. “It’s time to reimagine safety through technology,” he avers. “When voice, video, data and analytics technologies communicate and learn from each other, safety and performance improve across your enterprise.

Information gets to where it’s needed quicker, so you can work smarter and with greater awareness. Data is easily stored, searched and shared across workflows, so your teams can collaborate in more productive ways. Video is captured and analysed, so you can separate what’s important from what isn’t. It all comes together to make your organisation more resilient to business disruptions and unexpected events. So you’re ready for whatever comes next.”

Innovative and cost-effective measures Nelson Ody is the Cybersecurity Services Development Manager at Jisc, a not-forprofit digital solutions provider for education and research in the United Kingdom. He says in his blog3 that some universities and colleges in the UK are using innovative, proportionate, costeffective safety measures to encourage people to return full-time to campus.

These include the University of Bolton which has installed airport-style temperature scanners and is lending bikes to students to keep them off public transport, he tells. “I’ve been looking at how institutions can ask appropriate questions, assess solutions and make choices that are right for their own particular circumstances,” Ody says, adding: “These are complex issues, but here are a few pointers that might help avoid expensive mistakes.”

Temperature scanning “In an institution with a lot of international students and staff, for example – especially ones from areas of the world where they’ve learned to live alongside corona viruses like SARS and MERS – people will be used to having their temperatures scanned regularly.

Installing temperature scanners on campus may well encourage them to return to campus. On the other hand, if students and staff are mostly UK and European nationals, temperature-testing might feel heavy-handed or even worrying. Nonetheless, installing the equipment could increase that institution’s chances of staying open if there are future national or local lockdowns. It may be worth doing, therefore – and wise to keep communication positive and open to explain why testing is being introduced.”

Temperature-testing equipment has its limitations though, he acknowledges. “It can only indicate that someone is warmer than normal. It can’t detect Covid-19 or say why a person’s reading is high. It’s also very easy for detectors to miss a genuine fever if used in the wrong setting – outside, for example, or from the wrong distance – or if someone has just run to class and has developed a sweat.”

Use kit you’ve already got “There may be ways to limit financial outlay, or to invest in kit that has wider uses,” Ody says. “There might, perhaps, be access control equipment such as facial recognition kit in the library. If so, it’s possible to save time and money by adding temperature-checking devices to the existing structures.”

What’s happening in South Africa “Reckless student behaviour” on some of South Africa’s university and college campuses and in residences, is a matter of great concern to the Board of Directors of Universities SA (USAf). A statement which was published on the Nelson Mandela University website4 on 22 October, refers to the Board’s grave concern around the “reckless student behaviour on campuses since South Africa relaxed the national lockdown to Levels 2 and 1, respectively”. This includes “students mingling recklessly, throwing parties within residences and visiting night clubs with not much regard for the safety protocols that their SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

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MAIN FEATURE: Campus Security

institutions had put in place.”

“The vice-chancellors of all 26 public universities take this in a serious light”, the report continues. “How do we prevent our students from turning universities into seed sites for a new wave of Covid-19 outbreaks?” Professor Ahmed Bawa, Chief Executive Officer and a member of USAf’s Board, asked his peers. Adding to their concern is that students headed home for mid-term breaks could spread the virus to their families and friends in hitherto uninfected areas.

A joint effort between USAf, the South African Association of Senior Student Professions (SASSAP), Higher Health and the South African Union of Students is underway with its goal to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 in institutions of higher education. This “compact”, which will be circulated in draft form to the country’s campuses in the near future, aims to advocate and reinforce behavioural protocols such as safe hygiene, wearing masks and social distancing that universities have championed since the pandemic broke

out in South Africa. “Since August 2020, universities have been re-admitting controlled student numbers on campuses. While the initial attempt was made to enable specific categories of students to catch up with learning, some universities have shifted to a 100% return… albeit with serious safety concerns when social distancing cannot be guaranteed,” the report says. To this end, USAf is engaging with the Department of Higher Education for further guidelines. The pressure is on: Professor Bawa told the Board that scientists are predicting a second wave of Covid-19 in South Africa around February/March 2021, which could be exacerbated by irresponsible student behaviour. Warning that second-wave outbreaks in parts of Europe had proven to be worse than the initial outbreaks, he said: “We cannot afford to lose any more teaching and learning days due to student recklessness. Neither can we afford to sink South Africa into further loss of precious lives and into further deterioration of our already grim economy.”

1. https://campuslifesecurity.com/ Articles/2020/10/01/A-Layered-Approach.aspx 2. https://www.campussafetymagazine. com/webcast/reimagine-safety-andsecurity-across-campuses/ 3. https://www.jisc.ac.uk/blog/movingtowards-a-covid-secure-campus-10sep-2020# 4. https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/ Public-universities-to-jointly-curbCOVID-19-risky

ALL-INCLUSIVE INTRUDER DETECTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS

INDUSTRY OPINION

Leveraging communications technology to enhance physical security

Crime remains an ever-present danger in South Africa, and this has driven a demand for private security services, citizens are turning to private security companies to ensure their safety. It is perhaps not surprising then that the private security industry in South Africa is among the largest in the world, with over 9 000 registered companies and 450 000 registered active private security guards.

By Jeremy Osborne, Senior Sales Manager at Infobip South Africa

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ecurity companies in South Africa play a crucial role in terms of crime mitigation, providing a range of services – from access control to armed response – for companies and private consumers. However, as mobile devices and data become increasingly ubiquitous, communication technology can play a pivotal role in aiding security companies to react far more quickly, potentially saving lives.

Traditionally, the panic button has been the standard method used to alert a security company that a customer requires assistance. The device – often installed in a private home or carried on a person – is activated when an individual needs help and sends a signal to the security company’s control room via radio telemetry.

One of the significant drawbacks of a panic button is that it only works by sending a signal to the security company’s control room when it’s within range of the communication equipment installed in a home or office. However, in a world characterised by growing mobility, people require security that follows them around wherever they go.

Going mobile This is where the prospect of using a system that is connected – preferably through a mobile interface like a handset – changes the value proposition of the traditional panic button model. A person

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in distress can activate a panic request wherever they are, alerting the authorities or their private security provider that they need assistance and simultaneously provide their location.

A mobile panic button can be further enhanced by incorporating technologies such as WhatsApp API, which adds options to the interface. This allows a user to go directly to their contacts on the mobile device, open up a chat and activate a panic button.

The ubiquitous nature of WhatsApp makes it the ideal channel for this purpose. WhatsApp provides access to multiple services, both on a personal and business level, allowing users to communicate with friends, brands and even to transact. That it is a channel that people are familiar with makes it the ideal solution to support personal security requirements.

Additional layers A notable example of a WhatsApp API which has been used successfully for security purposes is the recently launched Automobile Association’s (AA) Armed Response Service, which is available countrywide to anyone who finds themselves in an emergency situation.

Users simply subscribe to the services and ensure that they have an active data signal with location services. The AA has a network of over 160 security partners who will come to a user’s aid when an

alert is activated via WhatsApp. Incorporating rich media content into the solution provides additional layers and gives users options to not only share text but also their physical location, images, as well as recordings of conversations happening in real-time.

This is especially important for people who find themselves in situations where they need assistance but cannot speak.

For instance, victims of gender-based violence (GBV) often find themselves in the same room as their abuser and need a non-verbal way to call for help. Typing out a request or sending a surreptitious recording of an altercation to an operations centre can summon help without alerting the perpetrator.

Also, WhatsApp’s chatbot platform and its capabilities allow onboard subscribers handle payments, making it an even more attractive proposition for private users and organisations alike. It can assist customers along their entire journey and gives them a sense of being able to engage with the brand on their own terms.

People tend to not actively think about security until a situation has occurred, but as a society, we must place significant emphasis on the digital security that we use in our lives – it’s a constant overhead that we need to manage. Technology can assist significantly, creating a safety barrier between companies, individuals and criminals with an intent to harm.

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19

DIGITAL SAFETY

Microsoft study shows bullying remains an issue with 4 in 10 teens involved; adults, too

By Jacqueline Beauchere - Global Digital Safety Advocate Courtesy of https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2020/09/14/microsoft-online-bullying-study-covid-19/

The new school year is beginning for many across the globe and, although Covid-19 continues to necessitate at least some distance-learning, the realities of bullying – both online and off – remain.

A new Microsoft study shows 4 in 10 teens in 32 countries report being “involved” in a bullying incident and, perhaps surprisingly, nearly the same percentage of adults, as well.

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ome 40% of teenagers in 32 countries1 say they’ve been involved in a bullying incident as the target of bullying, someone who displayed bullying behaviors or as a bystander. Meanwhile, 37% of adults said they were involved in a “bullying” incident. Combining both teens and adults, 38% of respondents say they were involved, with 19% identifying as the “target,” 21% as a “bystander” and 1% each as both “contributor” and “bully.” Respondents were asked about both online and offline bullying, and adults were asked about “bullying” (perhaps better termed “harassment”) both inside and outside the workplace.

Interestingly, those who admitted to either contributing to or exhibiting bullying behaviors responded overwhelmingly that they felt social pressure to act (68%) and they said that they regret their actions (79%). Among those who felt significant pressure to act, regret was even higher at nearly 9 in 10 (89%).

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The findings are from Microsoft’s latest research into aspects of digital civility – encouraging safer, healthier and more respectful online interactions among all people. The study, “Civility, Safety and Interaction Online – 2020”, polled teens ages 13-17 and adults ages 18-74 about their exposure to 212 different online risks. This latest research builds on similar studies undertaken annually from 2016

to 2019. Previous years’ projects polled the same demographic groups in 14, 22, 23 and 25 countries, respectively. A total of 16,051 individuals participated in this latest study, and we have surveyed more than 58,000 people over the last five years. Full results from this latest installment will be made available on International Safer Internet Day 2020, on 9 February.

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DIGITAL SAFETY Most common response: block “bullies” For nearly a decade, young people around the world have been advised to “Stop, Block and Tell” when it comes to online bullying, and that was the predominant response reported in this study. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said they blocked the instigator while more than half (54%) said they talked to a friend, and more than 4 in 10 either ignored the person (44%) or told a trusted adult (42%).

Sadly, given the importance of reporting unwelcome behavior to tech companies to help keep online communities safe and collegial, less than a third of respondents (30%) said they told a service provider, such as a social media company, about the incident.

We’ve all seen various webforms and online tools for reporting instances of cyberbullying, harassment, or other forms of digital abuse to tech companies. But how many of us have experienced or witnessed cruel or malicious treatment online or stumbled upon harmful content and actually submitted a report? In addition to specific in-product or service links to report abuse or concerns to Microsoft, we also make available a series of topic-specific webforms to report nonconsensual pornography (unartfully referred to as “revenge porn”), terrorist content and hate speech. These issues, as well as bullying, harassment and other inappropriate behavior are all violations of Microsoft’s Code of Conduct as detailed in the Microsoft Services Agreement. On the other hand, if consumers feel their content was removed or their account was closed in error, they can complete this form to request reinstatement.

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Microsoft and other online service providers have a business interest in protecting our customers and the integrity of our services by removing illegal and harmful content and addressing prohibited conduct. Furthermore, customer-reporting plays an important role in achieving those aims. So, we encourage people who participate in our communities to make us aware of content that is illegal or violates our code of conduct. General research shows that many users are reluctant to report terms-of-service violations because they feel their reports will go unnoticed or they would simply prefer to let someone else do the reporting.

At Microsoft, reports are reviewed, evaluated and actioned as appropriate.

Depending on the severity of the offense, different Microsoft consumer services undertake different enforcement actions.

So, as the new – largely virtual – school year begins, pledge to be an “upstander”.

Embrace the Microsoft Digital Civility Challenge and, if it’s safe and prudent to do so, stand up for yourself and others online who may be targeted for abuse or cruel treatment. Make use of technology companies’ reporting features, and promote good digital citizenship and digital civility in all communities.

To learn more about responding to online bullying and harassment, consult this resource, and for more on digital safety and digital civility generally, visit our website and resources page.

1 Countries polled in 2020 were: Argentina, Australia*, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark*, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia*, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines*, Poland, Russia, Sweden*, Singapore, Spain*, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand*, Turkey, U.K., U.S.A., Vietnam. *Indicates country was added (or re-added) to the study in 2020.

2 The 21 risks span four broad categories: behavioural, sexual, reputational and personal/ intrusive. Specifically: Reputational – “Doxing” and damage to personal or professional reputations; Behavioral – Being treated meanly; experiencing trolling, online harassment or bullying; encountering hate speech and microaggressions; Sexual – Sending or receiving unwanted sexting messages and making sexual solicitations; receiving unwanted sexual attention and being a victim of sextortion or nonconsensual pornography (aka “revenge porn”); Personal/intrusive – Being the target of unwanted contact, experiencing discrimination, swatting, misogyny, exposure to extremist content/recruiting, or falling victim to hoaxes, scams or fraud.

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21

INDUSTRY OPINION

Simplicity and innovation are critical to effective data management The Covid-19 crisis has greatly accelerated a number of major trends in Information Technology (IT). Customers are increasingly looking to adopt multicloud environments as part of their cloud strategy, and it is imperative to be in a position to easily migrate from on-premises to the cloud and between clouds.

By Johan Scheepers, Country Head at Commvault South Africa

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here is also an increased adoption of cloud-native workloads and automation, but an even greater need for economies and increased returns.

These shifts in IT have created a number of new data challenges, from data fragmentation to management complexity, a growing skills gap and the need for compliance and recovery readiness. Businesses today need simplicity and innovation to help them solve these challenges – they need intelligent data management.

Bringing it all together As a result of their digital transformation journey, many enterprises are left with a complex web of point solutions to manage various areas of their data and multiple different use cases. The reality though is that point solutions cannot solve modern data challenges, and they can actually exacerbate the problem. A multitude of point solutions add both cost and complexity and prevent businesses from having an effective view of all of their data.

Today’s data management challenges require a single, cohesive solution that brings together storage, protection, control, and management, and allows you to view or use the data wherever it resides. This single pane of glass allows 22

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visibility into data regardless of location, from endpoints and files to databases, virtual machines and traditional apps to cloud and software as a service platform.

Not only does this enable businesses to protect all of their workloads across the enterprise from a single management console, it also dramatically reduces management overheads and complexity as a result.

Complete backup, recovery and management Modern and intelligent data management needs to not only bring data together but also deliver a unified experience and enable simplicity through an intuitive user interface. Furthermore, infinite scalability enables data management to grow along with rapidly expanding or potentially contracting data need and flexibility ensures businesses can meet changing requirements for on-demand and consumption-based models.

Availability is also a challenge, and data management platforms need to ensure that data is available at all times, even in the event of maintenance, unplanned downtime or other unforeseen circumstances. Security is another element, particularly around ransomware protection. The global pandemic has brought with it a rampant increase in

malware attacks, and businesses must be prepared to mitigate the effects when, not if, they are the victims of a breach. Other security requirements include user access, auditing capabilities, backup and encryption.

Agility is the secret to unlocking value Innovation is an essential component of accelerating the digital transformation and multi-cloud journey, and data management solutions need to support this. Support for cloud-native workloads is critical, and effective protection for virtual environments is vital in a modern data environment. Data management solutions also need to be flexible enough to accommodate and manage new workloads.

In a world where the future is uncertain and where technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, agility in data management is absolutely critical.

Businesses today need innovative solutions driven by a simple interface, to bring their data together and enable visibility and insight across all workloads, throughout the enterprise. An end-to-end solution, rather than a disconnected collection of point products is essential to help businesses deal with their data challenges today and going forward.

securityfocusafrica.com

ON THE MARKET

Staycation or vacation- ensure your alarm does its job

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f this is the case, you could be doing your home a favour, says Charnel Hattingh, Head: Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT. The most significant benefit to a staycation is that your home will not be unoccupied for a period of time for criminals to potentially take advantage of. Also, if any security-related issues arise you are on hand to sort these out quickly.

Hattingh says security should never come second to being on holiday, whether you are at home or away.

“We tend to really leave all our worries behind when we are in holiday mode, but this isn’t wise when it comes to your home and personal security,” she says.

“Now is the time to check and test that all your security systems are working properly.”

She reiterates the value of an alarm system and why it is very important to test your alarm regularly.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about what in your home is being stolen when you are not there or the safety of your family when you are at home. Securing

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your home from intruders is critical and a properly working alarm system is one way of doing this.

“Your alarm can only do its job if it is functioning properly, so regular testing and servicing when required is very important.”

There are many ways an alarm system can protect your property, possessions and family.

Top 5 benefits of an alarm system: 1. Peace of mind that your family and possessions are protected.

2. 24-hour monitoring if linked to an armed response service provider, for quick response upon activation.

3. Easy access to fire and medical help by activating a button on your alarm panel. You can also hit a panic button on the panel for immediate response to a criminal attack.

4. Arm and disarm the system remotely on a smart device.

5. Be able to view goings on at your home on a smart device if the alarm is triggered.

“If your alarm is not working properly it can send false signals to your security provider. Not only does this put a strain on their critical resources but false alarms can also severely impact your vulnerability to a criminal attack,” Hattingh warns.

“The only way to ensure that your alarm is functioning as it should, is to test it regularly. This is a simple and quick process which can be done telephonically with your security provider. Remember to test all panic buttons too.

“In fact, all security systems linked to your alarm, like electric fencing and outdoor beams, should be tested regularly. Their functioning is part and parcel of a reliable alarm system which is there to protect your belongings and loved ones.

“Before you go away or start your staycation at home, dedicate time to testing your alarm and other security systems. Don’t leave it until the last minute as service providers are generally inundated with technical calls over the festive season. Book your call early to avoid your security systems letting you down.”

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23

PERSONALITY XXX PROFILE

In conversation with…

Hein Kern, Head of Sales for Secutel Technologies

Newly appointed Head of Sales for Secutel Technologies, Hein Kern, thinks big.

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ndaunted by the demands of his position, which includes managing and motivating the company’s sales team and helping them meet their sales targets, assisting with strategic planning and launching new products and services, and ensuring that Secutel continues to provide excellent customer service, he’s also got one eye on expanding northwards.

“My immediate focus is the continued growth in the South African market, but most definitely the longer-term plans include moving up into the SADC Region and later East Africa as a start.”

Hein grew up in Rustenburg in the North West Province. He matriculated from Bergsig High School in 1990, after which he completed his compulsory one-year national military service at 14 Artillery Brigade in Potchefstroom. During this time, he served on the G5 Canon and as an operational medic.

He then went on to achieve a B. Proc 24

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Law at the University of the North West (PUKKE), which opened many doors to him.

“Over the last 20 years I have been employed at many exciting international IT (information technology) vendors.

Most recently I was employed at F5 Networks as Territory Manager for East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Prior to that I was with Dell Technologies for eight years, firstly as Regional Sales Manager in charge of the EMC Advanced Software Division for Sub-Saharan Africa and then as Regional Sales Manager for the Security Arm of Dell Technologies (RSA), also looking after Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Before that I was with IBM for three years where I was employed as a sales specialist in the software division. I also spent time at Compuware/Computer Associates and started off by doing my candidate attorney articles at Malan Attorneys in Thabazimbi.”

What motivates you?

I love learning new things! As a sales manager I enjoy mentoring and coaching others, and seeing my team (and ultimately my company) succeed. I also get enormous satisfaction from seeing happy clients as a result of us delivering on their investments and fulfilling their business needs. This really means the world to me. I also get a kick out of challenging myself with regards to meeting deadlines, targets and goals.

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PERSONALITY PROFILE

What do you value most in people?

“Honesty and loyalty.”

And the traits you won’t tolerate?

“Dishonesty. Rudeness. Cruelty.”

What do you want to achieve in your new position?

“I am committed to ensuring that Secutel remains successful through our unequalled support and product quality.

Add to that ensuring the best possible service from our sales team to clients, and always working towards improving performance and achieving sales goals.”

What is on your personal bucket list?

“Watching the Wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara!”

What is on your bedside table?

“The Bible, a photograph of my family , and Chronicles, Vol 1 by Bob Dylan.”

Who are your mentors?

“From a personal point of view my father, who was one of the most generous and kind-hearted people I have ever met. From a work perspective, I have met quite a few amazing businessmen and women in my time! These include Dayne Turbitt, who is currently Senior Vice President and General Manager at Dell Technologies for the United Kingdom. I reported to him during my time with Dell Technologies. He has played a massive role on how I approach selling, working with clients, and my ‘never say never’ attitude.”

Why choose Secutel as the next step on your career ladder?

“There are a lot of reasons. For one, that Secutel is a privately held South African company with nine service centres throughout the country, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, George, Polokwane and Nelspruit. Since its inception in 2006, it has built up an impressive client base that includes leading banks, large security service providers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, schools and universities.

Also, Secutel has a clear understanding of the challenges associated within the highly complex security technology sector.”

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Sunrise over the Masai Mara

What are the products that most impress you?

“Secutel has dynamic video management, surveillance and cloud analytics systems that make the future available today, affordably and sustainably. Its product range brings intelligence to existing or ordinary cameras by feeding images to the SecuVue Cloud using the revolutionary SecuVue Cloud Bridge to enable surveillance and analytics from anywhere in the world. The company’s technology is mind-blowing: analytics with facial collection and recognition, age estimation, emotion detection, gender detection, license plate recognition and vehicle identification, activity heatmaps, people counting, scene analysis, line crossing and intrusion detection.”

“Add to this the Secutel Visual Verifier, which is the most successful intruder detection system available on the market today. It is a purpose-built intruder detection system with instant visual verification of a potential intrusion. The system is designed for African conditions and caters for up to 72 hours battery backup and GSM down to GPRS level for data communication from even the remotest areas.”

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected Secutel?

“We’re seeing growing demand for

secure mobile and biometric access control systems, and in particular touchless technology. Secutel is meeting this demand with products such as NoKey, an enterprise grade, keyless biometric access control solution with fingerprint and facial recognition. The NoKey solution integrates with the Secutel Visual Verifier and SecuVue systems, which enables visuals of all entries and exits. It can also automatically arm or disarm intruder detection systems.”

Does Secutel also service South Africa’s guarding sector?

“Yes. Secutel’s Guard Tracking and Management system, which is the most advanced on the market, comes with a number of highly relevant, cutting-edge components: real-time GPS tracking, data and push-to-talk voice communication, and instantaneous uploading to the cloud of snapshots and video clips. Through the use of virtual waypoints, route planning and scheduling, guard time and attendance is automatically updated and maintained. Our research and development team constantly improves and adapts solutions to remain in line with technological advancements and changes and we compete favourably with global players. I am very proud to be part of this amazing, dynamic company.”

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ON THE MARKET

Black-woman-owned Tsoabelo Security Solutions shows strong growth in security industry

Tsoabelo Security Solutions is a young, growing, black-woman-owned company that is proving itself with excellent service, professionalism, and technological know-how – and it’s headed by a Lioness of Africa, Ntsoaki Sibiya.

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tsoaki says opportunities broadened for Tsoabelo when she was invited to showcase her business at the Absa Lionesses of Africa Demo Day in November 2019. “Following our exposure at the Absa Lionesses Demo Day last year and our affiliation with the Lionesses of Africa, we signed a two-year contract with Business Partners to provide physical security guards at one of their industrial office parks in Germiston.

This is going well and we are now in talks to secure new premises in Pretoria for them. We’re excited because this is the start of a relationship that will yield massive business growth and many more opportunities for us.”

This year, the Absa Lionesses Xpo is being presented on a technologically advanced virtual platform which launches on Thursday, 29 October, and will 26

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connect corporate buyers and decisionmakers with successful women-owned businesses on a professional platform with great exhibition features and benefits, including ready access to the Lioness exhibitors.

Tsoabelo specialises in security guarding services, the installation of access control biometric systems and CCTV surveillance systems. It set a high benchmark for itself right from the start when it achieved a turnover of R1m within a year of start-up, empowering over 25 families and making a meaningful contribution to job creation, skills development, and to the economy of South Africa.

Ntsoaki, who describes herself as “a purpose-driven, tenacious and focused young woman”, started the company in 2017. She had joined the security industry in 2013 and then identified a gap in the market for women-owned

security companies founded on adding value to others. She says, “We don’t exist to run after every government security tender or exploit entry-level job seekers in the industry. We understand the value chain and the critical importance of safety and security, and we ensure value-added solutions for our clients, our stakeholders, and the industry at large.”

Tsoabelo intelligently uses technology and people to improve perimeter security and all facets of access control, ensuring extremely high levels of reliability and service across the board for their customers.

Ntsoaki adds, “The pandemic has brought a shift in the mindset of our clients and consumers in general. Before Covid-19, clients were very comfortable with conventional security services, and most were not looking for digital or technology solutions because of the costs

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ON THE MARKET associated with it. But this period has opened the eyes of the world, and businesspeople are now inclined to invest in technology solutions for security.”

The company is anticipating a positive response from industry buyers at this year’s online Absa Lionesses Xpo. “I’m really excited that it’s a virtual expo and will be running for longer than a day, which means potential buyers can take their time to find out more about our businesses without rushing. I am very grateful to Lionesses of Africa for constantly giving us opportunities to accelerate our business growth.”

Ntsoaki says that being a Lioness of Africa has given her company a boost in terms of its online profile. “I’ve been approached by industry leaders to participate at relevant speaking events, which is positioning me as one of the leading women in security in the country.

We’ve also benefitted a lot through the Lionesses of Africa Accelerator Programme that has given me invaluable business growth strategies, and contributed to the development of our internal quality assurance processes and systems that set us apart from our industry peers.”

Speaking about Ntsoaki’s success trajectory, Lionesses of Africa Founder & CEO, Melanie Hawken, said: “Ntsoaki and her business, Tsoabelo Security Solutions, are a great example of what can happen when women entrepreneurs join the Lionesses of Africa community and take full advantage of all the support and opportunities available to them. It has been wonderful to be part of Ntsoaki’s and Tsoabelo’s growth journey and to see this high growth potential business thrive and move to the next level.”

She has powerful words of advice and support for young women contemplating a career in the security industry that she is now passionate about. “Don’t be intimidated by male-dominated industries, be brave enough to challenge the status quo and take up your place in them. I am a firm believer that young women must play a greater role in security, not only to rectify a social injustice, but more importantly, because there is an economic and business imperative to use the talents of young women to solve issues that the world faces.”

Ntsoaki has many family members – including her grandmother, father mother and siblings – who encouraged

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Ntsoaki Sibiya is the founder and owner of Tsoabelo Security Solutions.

the entrepreneurial spirit within her from an early age. “They are my best role models. But I also have much admiration for many women who’ve built incredible businesses and proved that it’s possible for women to achieve amazing things, such as Basetsana Khumalo, Amanda Dambuza, the late Dr Thandi Ndlovu, Connie Ferguson, and others. They’re an inspiration to all in Africa.”

To find out more about Tsoabelo and to engage directly with Ntsoaki Sibiya in the Absa Lionesses Xpo interactive webbased ‘e-exhibition’ experience, which launches on Thursday, 29 October, go to https://www.lionessesxpo.com.

Participants will have the opportunity to

network with Ntsoaki at the Tsoabelo stand, enabled by WhatsApp via 1-1 chat, video call, or chat room, along with women-owned businesses in a variety of industry sectors.

Lionesses of Africa is a Public Benefit Corporation that empowers, celebrates and showcases leading women entrepreneurs across the continent to create game-changing impact.

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ON THE MARKET

Absa Lionesses Xpo to showcase gamechanging women entrepreneurs on virtual platform Doing business with women entrepreneurs has never been more vital, as South Africa grapples with the ripple-effect of the extended lockdown and economic crisis. The challenge is to connect women business owners with potential corporate buyers.

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he sheer size and volume of corporate purchasing worldwide means that corporations have the potential to dramatically influence the way suppliers and supply chains operate.

Each year, corporations spend trillions of dollars acquiring goods and services, yet purchases from women-owned businesses account for a mere one per cent of the total spend. By overlooking womenowned businesses, many corporations are missing an opportunity to expand their global markets, diversify their supply chains, and grow the economy, while simultaneously improving the lives of women and girls around the globe.

Source: UN Women 2017 report ‘The Power of Procurement: How to Source from Women-Owned Businesses.’

For business leaders, prioritising women owned businesses in procurement, particularly by locking in demand for several years, can address this challenge. In South Africa, procurement from emerging micro enterprises (EMEs) that are black female-owned provides the opportunity to enhance a company’s B-BBEE scorecard.

Against this backdrop, the Absa Lionesses Xpo has been developed to showcase a diverse array of products and services from over 100 of South Africa’s exciting women-owned businesses on a sophisticated virtual platform that will be launched with a dynamic, interactive event on Thursday, 29 October. Lionesses of Africa is a Public Benefit Corporation that empowers leading female entrepreneurs of Africa, referred to as “Lionesses” to create game-changing impact for the continent.

The innovative Absa Lionesses Xpo is designed to connect corporate buyers and decision-makers with successful womenowned businesses on a user-friendly and professional platform that will deliver high-level exhibition features and benefits, including live access to the Lioness exhibitors.

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The Absa Lionesses Xpo will open with presentation sessions in a virtual auditorium setting by Melanie Hawken, Lionesses of Africa founder and CEO, senior executives from Absa as the impact partner and various Lionesses.

The Xpo will follow, opening an easy-to-navigate world of opportunity for buyers and decision-makers to explore the exhibition, selecting and visiting the ‘stands’ of interest, engaging with the product and service ranges, and interacting with the owner-Lionesses on the networking feature. The event on 29 October will be the only day that all the Lionesses will be present at their virtual stands for discussion and engagement, although the platform will remain live to give buyers access to their products and information for a limited period thereafter.

Melanie Hawken explains that this virtual exhibition will give corporate participants free-of-charge access to a visual experience of products and services on offer from the Lionesses. The platform provides an index of directory categories and sub-categories, enabling participants to personalise their exhibitor selection and virtual stand visits, and the networking functionality enabled by WhatsApp at each stand gives participants access to the specific Lioness in person, via a one-onone chat or video call. The Xpo platform also features e-commerce functionality for added convenience for buyers.

“Absa Lionesses Xpo has engaged with leading-edge service providers to ensure a highly focused and productive visual online exhibition experience for the participants, as well as the opportunity for our Lionesses to showcase their quality offerings,” she said.

Tina Playne, Absa’s Managing Executive, Sectors and Segments at Absa Private Wealth and Business Bank, says Absa has long been wholly committed to harnessing the power of women

entrepreneurs because of their innate ability to unlock economic growth. “One of our key strategies is to engage, empower and serve entrepreneurs – women in particular. Against this background, Absa firmly believes that our partnership with Lionesses of Africa is the right fit. The Xpo provides a real demonstration of the Lionesses’ remarkable range of products and services, whilst delivering on our promise that ‘we do more so you can’.”

Among the Lionesses at the Xpo will be: • Pumza Ndlotyeni, founder and CEO of Gebane Investments, which provides electrical engineering and substation construction services • Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder and CEO of Tsoabelo Security Solutions, a security services company • Mapholo Ratau, founder and CEO of Ledikana, that specialises in fashion and textiles • Andiswa Silinga, CEO of Gemini GIS Services, that offers environmental and data services, UAV surveying, mapping, monitoring and inspection • Mahlatse Masimini, CEO of Moshate Media, providing events management, brand communications and public relations services.

Register to attend Corporate procurement managers and directors, senior management, CEOs and business owners are invited to register their interest in participating in the Absa Lionesses Xpo for an opportunity to source a vast array of products and services through this interactive and engaging digital platform. To register your interest in attending, go to http://www.lionessesofafrica.com/ lionesses-xpo.

For more information on Lionesses of Africa, visit www.lionessesofafrica.com.

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SUCCESS STORY

Cybersecurity Services for the FutureAutomate, Adapt and Overcome

The demand for cybersecurity services is growing at an exponential rate globally which has further been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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his demand sparked a metamorphosis for Evolv Networks which resulted in the launch of its innovative cybersecurity brand: Enhalo (Pty) Ltd. Enhalo provides the connection between the world’s top cyber experts and South African businesses. By thinking about local needs but acting on a global scale, Enhalo is playing a pivotal role in bringing South Africans the world-class cybersecurity services they deserve.

With South Africa being perceived as a soft target by cybercriminals, Enhalo provides the best in tailored global IT security solutions to thwart the efforts of these criminals.

Enhalo added internationally trusted cybersecurity experts to its family by uniting companies like Cyber 83 and CyberQ Group into the Enhalo group of companies.

With offices in South Africa, the Philippines, the UK, and the USA, Enhalo can now guarantee 24/7 security expertise at a price that South African businesses can afford to sustain.

The team behind Enhalo believes that an approach of informed creativity to the challenges of the digital world is what leads to the most innovative solutions. In line with this approach Enhalo set forth on a mission to dramatically reduce client’s operating costs by aligning their business vision and operations with the latest in digital tools, thereby transforming South African companies into agile, secure, and efficient enterprises.

Alongside the journey to evolve the Enhalo brand and offering, the leaders of the business discovered a gap in the South African and global market for a partner

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that truly understood client’s pressures, addressing them through a value-added partnership versus a product-based sales approach.

Enhalo’s team of global experts therefore work with clients to enhance their business in the following ways: • Leverage existing digital infrastructure to build secure, flexible remote solutions for employees to work from anywhere without unnecessary additional cost.

• Streamline digital infrastructure so that only efficient technology is maintained.

• Effectively implement automation to adjust customer platforms to be more efficient and reduce unnecessary cost.

• Transform businesses through technology rationalisation and adaptive security solutions.

Whilst the world may be focused on the current COVID19 pandemic, Enhalo’s vision looks beyond the current times by embracing a model of co-innovation.

However, the journey was not easy and Enhalo worked tirelessly behind the scenes to balance the challenges of integrating multiple companies, the pressure to continuously innovate and be creative, remaining attentive to loyal customers, and remaining ahead of industry trends.

Leadership and Family Despite the growth and evolution of the business, Enhalo is still a family run business. While many people vehemently claim that business and family do not mix, the Conradie brothers have made it work.

The Conradie brothers – (Gerhard Conradie co-founder and global head of solutions architecture and Francois

Conradie co-founder and global head of cloud infrastructure) attribute their success to the following: • One of them always takes the lead on the daily functioning of the company and the other innovates and keeps up to date with the broader international industry.

• Both brothers possess an impressive but different set of IT security and cybersecurity skills that complement each other.

• Although they each have designated clients, they allow each other to manage each other’s portfolios where necessary as a check and balance system.

• They have a deep-seated respect for each other’s ethics and a strong bond based on trust and faith in each other’s abilities.

Taking a business global If you are thinking of going global, the Conradie brothers have the following advice for you.

• Get funding. International expansion has always been a costly endeavour and a solid base of capital to establish your company is essential.

• Ensure you are noticeable and invest in marketing. You can have the best product but if you do not differentiate yourself no one will know who you are.

• Make sure that you are excellent at what you do and stay focused on continuously improving your knowledge and expertise.

• Continuously adapt with the times and remain relevant to your customers by consistently adding value.

As an authority not only on IT security, but also digital transformation and automation, Enhalo understands the potential for greatness that efficient systems provide. The company is determined to share its expertise and technology systems with South African organisations.

With solutions aimed at reducing risk through cybersecurity, reducing cost through digital transformation, and increasing revenue through automation, all Enhalo solutions serve to increase a company’s performance and reduce their frustrations in today’s digital world.

For more information on Enhalo (Pty) Ltd visit https://enhalo.co/za

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

29

SPECIAL REPORT

Organised crime in Africa The rush for cash during Covid-19 highlights conflicting interests in SA Conflicts of interest continue to be a major enabler of procurement fraud in South Africa.

By Richard Chelin, Researcher, ENACT

F

ollowing public outcry over the personal protective equipment (PPE) contract Khusela Diko’s husband’s company, Royal Bhaca Projects, received from the Gauteng Department of Health, the couple released a joint statement. They insisted ‘there was no corruption in the bidding and subsequent awarding of the PPE contract.’ In other words, due process was followed.

Diko, the former spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, goes further to note that the public outcry is based on the mistrust and suspicion of the public from years of cronyism where individuals close to political office unduly benefited from the state. She says the contract was cancelled and no funds were received from the department – a claim being investigated by South Africa’s

30

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The Diko scandal, which came about during the initial Covid-19 outbreak, is one of many concerning PPE tender contracts involving government officials recently. This has highlighted an aspect of procurement corruption to which little attention is paid and which is the most difficult to address – conflict of interest.

Conflict of interest may be defined as a situation in which a public official has a private interest that may influence the impartial exercise of official duties, and decisions. Such a situation may not necessarily involve wrongdoing or misconduct yet it could result in a situation where public officials take advantage of their official position and insider knowledge to gain private advantage at the expense of the public interest.

Managing conflict of interest is a challenge; instituting mechanisms for its implementation will help in the long term This was highlighted in the former public protector’s State of Capture report, revealing how corruption was a manifestation of various conflicts of interest within government and stateowned entities.

A conflict of interest situation is usually informed by two factors. First, the private interest of the public official, or their relative or associate. That is, benefits the public official or his or her family members or associates stand to receive in the decision made by the official.

These can include property, financial benefits, awards of contracts etc.

Second, a conflict between private and public interests whereby the official has a

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SPECIAL REPORT

private, direct or indirect, interest in the exercise of his or her functions.

Although conflict of interest does not necessarily equate to corruption, it does create an ethical dilemma. While public officials are expected to fulfil their duties with fairness and impartiality, this becomes difficult when personal interests blur decisions and preferences for personal gain. Such situations may lead to corruption. The consequences are significant for decreased levels of public trust, fairness and the state’s reputation and credibility to deliver for the public good.

Although conflict of interest in itself is not corruption per se, it does create an ethical dilemma So what can be done to address the issue?

Article 7, sub-section 4 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption says that states should ‘endeavour to adopt, maintain and strengthen systems that promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interest’ in accordance with the principle of its domestic law. To this end, some signatories to the convention have included conflicts of interest in their anti-corruption legislation.

In South Africa, the legislative framework that addresses the problem includes the Public Service Act, the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (with exceptions) and the regulations of the Public Finance Management Act, among others. Despite these laws, conflicts of interest continue to be a major enabler of procurement

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fraud. To begin on the pathway of rebuilding public trust and inverstor confidence to address the issue in the public sector, a twofold approach to achieving this is outlined.

Firstly, implementing the policies and procedures regarding conflict of interest that exist. Given the laws and regulations in place in South Africa, it is clear that the problem doesn’t lie with these policies but rather their effective implementation. To this end, there’s a need for oversight and accountability holding for the implementation of regulations at the various stages of the procurement processes. This may be located within the national treasury, with support from the Select Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) in parliament.

When left unaddressed, conflicting interests result in the undermining of public trust, fairness and an organisation’s reputation and credibility The second approach requires the identification and disclosure of conflicting interests by the individuals concerned. This is the main issue faced in South Africa as individuals fail to disclose their interests before engaging in business with the state despite this requirement being clear in the policies. Again, a rigorous accountability holding to check that procedures are adhered to will be a key element to clawing back the entrenched conflict of interest.

An anti-corruption specialist who requested anonymity told ENACT: “To avoid disclosures of their interests, public

officials would often register a company [in] their spouse’s maiden name or their family members who do not share the same surname.” These officials then become a silent director of the company and at times go to the extent of changing a letter in their surname to avoid detection.

It is thus almost impossible to detect such devious practices unless an investigation is launched into the individual’s business interest. In such instances, an undisclosed interest is considered a serious conflict of interest breach and such actions should be criminally liable and the offence treated as corruption. Strengthening the present legislation would be required to achieve this.

Managing conflict of interest is a perennial challenge; instituting mechanisms for ensuring regulations to prevent it is equally challenging. While not all conflicting interest situations are corruption, most procurement corruption cases involve some form of conflict of interest. Measures to highlight this gap, to hold dishonest public officials to account through sanctioning and remedial means are required to ensure that public funds intended to benefit the public do so, rather than personally benefit a few.

First published by ISS Today, 5 October 2020 https://enactafrica.org/enact-observer/ the-rush-for-cash-during-covid-19highlights-conflicting-interests-insa?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_ campaign=ENACT_Review+&utm_ medium=email#

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

31

LAW & SECURITY

Zondo Commission, recusal and the way forward for the rule of law?

At the time of writing, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo had recently delivered his decision following the presentation of arguments by Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane on behalf of former President Jacob Zuma and responses by the evidence leader Paul Pretorius on 16 November 2020.

By Peter Bagshawe

T

hese arguments related to the application by Zuma for Justice Zondo to recuse himself for alleged partiality and bias. In a previous article (The Impact of Amendment of Section 11 of The Regulations Governing the State Capture Enquiry) reference was made to the background to the establishment of the Commission of Enquiry as well as to the likely application for Justice Zondo to recuse himself.

As a potted history the Commission of Enquiry was established out of recommendations contained in the “State of Capture Report” prepared by then Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela. The release of the report was delayed by an interdict applied for by 32

Messrs. Zuma, Van Rooyen and Zwane; the interdict application was subsequently withdrawn. By then Madonsela’s term of office had expired and the report was released by the current Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane on 2 November 2016. In line with recommendations made by Madonsela, then President Zuma established the State Capture Inquiry, via promulgation, in January 2018 and appointed Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo (in accordance with the State of Capture Report recommendation of Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng) to chair the Enquiry.

At the stage of the appointment of Justice Zondo to chair the Commission, then President Zuma openly expressed his faith in the judiciary and their ability

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

to execute their tasks fairly, with impartiality and independently and, on a number of occasions, stated that he would cooperate with the Commission. It is also noteworthy that former President Zuma recommended Justice Zondo for the position of Deputy Chief Justice in 2017.

After hearing the respective arguments for and against the recusal application, Justice Zondo initially indicated he would release his decision on 17 November. This was subsequently held over and the decision was given on 19 November. The first leg of the decision was on the alleged friendship between former President Zuma and Justice Zondo, which Zuma alleged made Justice Zondo conflicted in his role as Commission

chairperson. On this point Justice Zondo had previously read into evidence his statement refuting the alleged friendship.

Zondo stated there was no reason for Zuma to raise the alleged personal relationship almost three years after Zuma appointed him as Commission of Inquiry chairperson. The decision stated that this should have been brought to the attention of the Chief Justice by Zuma at the appointment stage.

Justice Zondo held that no friendship existed that could support the recusal application.

The second leg of the decision dealt with allegations that Justice Zondo was biased against Zuma with allegations made that Justice Zondo had treated various witnesses who allegedly implicated Zuma in securityfocusafrica.com

LAW AND SECURITY TRAINING alleged acts of state capture with partiality. Justice Zondo was at pains to point out that Zuma had not completed his evidence (going back to July 2019) before the Commission and had not replied with affidavits relating to the evidence of 35 witnesses that appeared to implicate him in acts of state capture despite being served with summonses requiring these affidavits be submitted to the Commission. It appears that the Commission has, in writing, on some 26 occasions, requested Zuma to provide his version of events and on some 16 occasions requested time slots for him to give testimony. The decision also referred to the subpoena that was served on Zuma to secure his attendance before the Commission for the week of 16 November. Justice Zondo also clearly stated that the Commission can call any witnesses that the evidence leaders chose to, provided Zuma was afforded the opportunity to appear at the Commission free to come before it to deal with evidence deposed. Justice Zondo said that Zuma had opportunities made available to come forward to give his events to the Commission but had failed to do so. The recusal application thirdly alleged bias on the part of Justice Zondo apparently based on Justice Zondo’s comments and questions during the course of

hearing evidence. This appears to refer to Justice Zondo’s habitual careful and frequent summarising or encapsulating points of evidence for clarity.

Here Justice Zondo stated that, as Chairman of the Commission, he was entitled and obliged to seek comments and ask questions on the matters the Commission is investigating. This cannot be a passive role. On this leg, again, the decision was that Zuma and his legal team had failed to prove an objective apprehension of bias on the part of Justice Zondo sufficient to find recusal.

Accordingly, Justice Zondo’s decision was that the application for recusal was dismissed.

Immediately following this, Advocate Sikhakhane advised that his instructions were that the decision would be taken on review and that a complaint would be lodged with the Judicial Services Commission in respect of Justice Zondo acting in a matter in which Justice Zondo was involved.

The sitting then went into recess for a tea break with Justice Zondo making it clear that proceedings would continue thereafter. After a more protracted break than normal a visibly perturbed Justice Zondo advised that former President Zuma and his legal team had left the hearing and adjourned the Commission

until 23 November. The actions of Zuma and his legal team have precipitated a crisis within the hearing of the Commission in that leaving the hearing without being excused by Justice Zondo during the period covered by the subpoena is a criminal act. At the same time as being in contempt of the Commission the real possibility now exists that Zuma will not testify prior to the conclusion of the Commission’s term. Given the evidence heard to date by the Commission and the basis for the establishment of the Commission, this position is manifestly unacceptable.

From Zuma’s side it is likely that the Stalingrad defence tactic would be to approach the High Court, the Supreme Court of Appeals and possibly the Constitutional Court to delay his appearance. The more expedient option would be to apply for an urgent interdict to stop the Commission hearing evidence from Zuma prior to the review. However, given that the Commission hearing is more administrative in nature (rather than criminal) the granting of the interdict is debatable and may not be the route taken by Zuma’s legal team.

It is imperative that the Commission establishes control of a volatile situation and Justice Zondo indicated he “would consider that which

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

needs to be considered” going forward. In terms of the Commissions Act regulations a person who fails to abide by a summons is guilty of an offence and can be fined a maximum of 50 pounds or a maximum of 6 months imprisonment or both.

A further option is laying charges against Zuma with the referral of these to the National Prosecuting Authority for a criminal hearing. Finally, Justice Zondo could issue a warrant for Zuma’s arrest. These options need to be reviewed and acted upon to secure attendance and evidence essential to the work as well as protect the integrity of the Commission and the sanctity of the Rule of Law. The level of reaction from the Commission to the action of Zuma, a former sitting head of State who enacted the Commission is an affront to both the Commission and Rule of Law must be measured and considered, but decisive. The actions taken by Justice Zondo in his capacity as Chairman of the Commission are likely to form part of the abiding legacy of the Commission. As such they will be followed and debated with interest going forward.

PETER BAGSHAWE holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the former University of Rhodesia and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.

October 2020

ADVERTISER

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EMAIL

WEBSITE

Nemtek

2

websales@nemtek.co.za

www.nemtek.com

Security Association of South Africa

IBC

admin@sasecurity.co.za

www.sasecurity.co.za

Secutel Technologies

18

sales@secutel.co.za

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SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

33

DIRECTORY

SECURITY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (SASA) ADMINISTRATION Suite 4, Blake Bester Building, 18 Mimosa Street (cnr CR Swart Road), Wilro Park, Roodepoort Suite 147, Postnet X 2, Helderkruin 1733 National Administrator: Tony Botes t: 0861 100 680 | e: tony@sasecurity.co.za c: 083 272 1373 | f: 0866 709 209 Membership, accounts & enquiries: Sharrin Naidoo t: 0861 100 680 | e: admin@sasecurity.co.za c: 083 650 4981

SASA OFFICE BEARERS

REGIONAL OFFICE BEARERS

National President: Chris Laubscher c: 082 441 4092 e: laubscherc@proteacoin.co.za

Gauteng: Gary Tintinger c: 084 429 4245 e: gary.tintinger@cwexcellerate.com

National Chairperson: Marchél Coetzee c: 084 440 0087 | e: marchelcoetzee@omegasol.com

KwaZulu Natal: Clint Phipps c: 082 498 4749 e: clint.phipps@cwexcellerate.com

National Deputy Chairperson: Yagan Nair c: 082 561 3529 e: yagannair@national.co.za

Western Cape: Koos van Rooyen c: 082 891 2351 | e: koos@wolfgroup.co.za

SECURITY AND RELATED ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) Eco Park, Centurion t: +27 (0)12 003 0500/1 | Independent hotline: 0800 220 918 | e: info@psira. co.za | Director: Manabela Chauke | Chairperson: T Bopela | Vice chairperson: Z Holtzman | Council members: Advocate A Wiid | Commissioner A Dramat APPISA (Association for Professional Private Investigators SA) Bertie Meyer Crescent, Minnebron, Brakpan | e: info@appelcryn.co.za | www.appelcryn. co.za | c: +27 (0)73 371 7854 / +27 (0)72 367 8207 | Chairperson: Ken Appelcryn ASIS International Johannesburg Chapter No. 155. Box 99742, Garsfontein East 0060 | t: +27 (0)11 652 2569 | www.asis155jhb.webs. com | President/chairperson: Johan Hurter | Secretary: Chris Cray ASIS International (Chapter 203: Cape Town – South African Security Professionals) President/chairperson: Yann A Mouret, CPP Secretary: Eva Nolle t: +27 (0)21 785 7093 f: +27 (0)21 785 5089 | e: info@aepn.co.za | www.asis203.org.za BAC (Business Against Crime) Box 784061, Sandton 2146 | t: +27 (0)11 883 0717 | f: +27 (0)11 883 1679 | e: info@bac.org.za CAMPROSA (Campus Protection Society of Southern Africa) President: Des Ayob | e: 27149706@nwu.ac.za Executive Secretary: Derek Huebsch | e: huebsch. derek@gmail.com | www.camprosa.co.za CISA (Cape Insurance Surveyors Association) Shahid Sonday t: +27 (0)21 402 8196 | f: +27 (0)21 419 1844 | e: shahid.sonday@saeagle.co.za | Mike Genard t: +27 (0)21 557 8414 | e: mikeg@yebo.co.za DRA (Disaster Recovery Association of Southern Africa) Box 405, Saxonwold 2132 | Chairperson: Grahame Wright | t: +27 (0)11 486 0677 | f: (011) 646 5587 | Secretary/treasurer: Charles Lourens t: +27 (0)11 639 2346 | f: +27 (0)11 834 6881 EFCMA (Electric Fencing and Components Manufacturers Association) Box 411164, Craighall 2024 | t: +27 (0)11 326 4157 | f: +27 (0)11 493 6835 | Chairperson: Cliff Cawood c: +27 (0)83 744 2159 | Deputy chairperson: John Mostert c: +27 (0)82 444 9759 | Secretary: Andre Botha c: +27 (0)83 680 8574 ESDA (Electronic Security Distributors Association) Box 17103, Benoni West 1503 | t: (011) 845 4870 | f: +27 (0)11 845 4850 | Chairperson: Leonie Mangold | Vice chairperson: David Shapiro | www.esda.org.za ESIA (Electronic Security Industry Alliance) Box 62436, Marshalltown 2107 | t: +27 (0)11 498 7468 | f: 086 570 8837 | c: 082 773 9308 | e: info@esia. co.za | www.esia.co.za FDIA (Fire Detection Installers Association) Postnet Suite 86, Private Bag X10020, Edenvale, 1610 | t: +27 (0)72 580 7318 | f: 086 518 4376 | e: fdia@fdia. co.za | www.fdia.co.za | President/chairperson: Clive Foord | Secretary: Jolene van der Westhuizen

FFETA The Fire Fighting Equipment Traders Association) Postnet Suite 86, Private Bag X10020, Edenvale 1610 | Chairperson: Belinda van der Merwe Administration manager: Rosemary Cowan | t: +27 (0)11 455 3157 | e: rosemary@saqccfire.co.za | www.ffeta.co.za FPASA (Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa) Box 15467, Impala Park 1472 | t: +27 (0)11 397 1618 | f: +27 (0)11 397 1160 | e: library@fpasa.co.za | www.fpasa.co.za | General manager: David Poxon GFA (Gate & Fence Association) Box 1338, Johannesburg 2000 | t: +27 (0)11 298 9400 | f: +27 (0)11 838 1522 | Administrator: Theresa Botha HSA (Helderberg Security Association) Box 12857, N1 City Parow 7463 | t: +27 (0)21 511 5109 | f: +27 (0)21 511 5277 | e: info@command.co.za | www.command.co.za | Chairperson: Stephen van Diggele IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers (SA) Treasurer: Andrew Greig | President: Mike Webber | Administrator: Jennifer Maritz | PO Box 1033, Houghton 2041 | t: +27 (0)11 788 4329 | f: +27 (0)11 880 6286 | e: adminstaff@ife.org.za | www.ife.org.za ISA (Insurance Surveyors Association) Box 405, Saxonwold 2132 | Chairperson: Graham Wright | t: +27 (0)11 486 0677 | Vice chairperson: Alan Ventress | Secretary: Alex dos Santos LASA (Locksmiths Association of South Africa) Box 4007, Randburg 2125 | t: +27 (0)11 782 1404 | f: +27 (0)11 782 3699 | e: lasa@global.co.za | www.lasa.co.za | President/chairperson: Alan Jurrius | Secretary: Dora Ryan NaFETI (National Firearms Education and Training Institute) Box 181067, Dalbridge 4014 | Chairperson: MS Mitten | Vice chairperson: Ken Rightford | t: +27 (0)33 345 1669 | c: +27 (0)84 659 1142 NaFTA (National Firearms Training Association of SA) Box 8723, Edenglen 1613 | National chairperson: Peter Bagshawe | t: +27 (0)11 979 1200 | f: +27 (0)11 979 1816 | e: nafta@lantic.net POLSA (Policing Association of Southern Africa) t: +27 (0)12 429 6003 | f: +27 (0)12 429 6609 | Chairperson: Anusha Govender c: +27 (0)82 655 8759 PSSPF (Private Security Sector Provident Fund) Jackson Simon c: +27 (0)72 356 6358 | e: jackson@ psspfund.co.za | www.psspfund.co.za SAESI (Southern African Emergency Services Institute) Box 613, Krugersdorp 1740 | t: +27 (0)11 660 5672 | f: +27 (0)11 660 1887 | President: DN Naidoo | Secretary: SG Moolman | e:info@saesi.com SAIA (South African Insurance Association) Box 30619, Braamfontein 2017 | Chief executive officer: Viviene Pearson | Chairperson:

Lizé Lambrechts t: +27 (0)11 726 5381 | f: +27 (0)11 726 5351 | e: info@saia.co.za SAIDSA (South African Intruder Detection Services Association) | Association House, PO Box 17103, Benoni West 1503 | t: +27 (0)11 845 4870 f: +27 (0)11 845 4850 | e: saidsa@mweb.co.za www.saidsa.co.za | Chairperson: Johan Booysen Secretary: Cheryl Ogle SAIS (South African Institute of Security) Postnet Suite 86, Private Bag X10020, Edenvale, 1610 Chairperson: Dave Dodge | Administration manager: John Baker | t: +27 (0)63 782 7642 | e: info@instituteofsecurity.co.za | www.instituteofsecurity.co.za SAN (Security Association of Namibia) Box 1926, Windhoek, Namibia | Administrator: André van Zyl | t: +264 81 304 5623 | e: adminsan@iway.na SANSEA (South African National Security Employers’ Association) Box 62436, Marshalltown 2107 | Administrators: SIA t: +27 (0)11 498 7468 | f: 086 570 8837 | e: galen@sansea.co.za SAPFED (Southern African Polygraph Federation) President: Flip Vorster | c: +27 (0)82 455 1459 | e: info@sapfed.org | Secretary: Anrich Gouws | e: admin@sapfed.org | www.sapfed.org SAQCC FIRE (South African Qualification Certification Committee) Postnet Suite 86, Private Bag X10020, Edenvale 1610 | t: +27 (0)11 455 3157 | www.saqccfire. co.za Executive Committee: Chairperson: Duncan Boyes Vice chairperson: Tom Dreyer 1475 Committee: Chairperson: Lizl Davel Vice chairperson: John Caird D&GS Committee: Chairperson: Nichola Allan; Vice chairperson: Clive Foord General Manager: Rosemary Cowan | e: rosemary@saqccfire.co.za – Address, phone and website all remain as is.

SARPA (South African Revenue Protection Association) Box 868, Ferndale 2160 | t: +27 (0)11 789 1384 | f: +27 (0)11 789 1385 | President: Naas du Preez | Secretariat: Mr J. Venter, Van der Walt & Co SIA (Security Industry Alliance) Box 62436, Marshalltown 2107 | t: +27 (0)11 498 7468 | Chief executive officer: Steve Conradie | www.securityalliance.co.za SKZNSA (Southern KwaZulu-Natal Security Association) t: +27 (0)39 315 7448 | f: +27 (0)39 315 7324 | Chairperson: Anton Verster c: +27 (0)82 371 0820 VESA (The Motor Vehicle Security Association of South Africa) Box 1468, Halfway House 1685 | t: (011) 315 3588/3655 | f: +27 (0)11 315 3617 | General manager: Adri Smit VIPPASA (VIP Protection Association of SA) Box 41669, Craighall 2024 | t: +27 (0)82 749 0063 | f: 086 625 1192 | e: info@vippasa.co.za | www.vippasa.co.za | Enquiries: Chris Rootman c: +27 (0)82 749 0063 | e: vippasa@protectour.co.za

*Every attempt has been made to keep this information up to date. If you would like to amend your organisation’s details, please email jackie @contactpub.co.za 34

SECURITY FOCUS AFRICA OCTOBER 2020

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DRIVING COMPLIANCE in South Africa’s Private Security Industry

With a five decade legacy, SASA is the greatest advocate of industry compliance, serving as resource for its members, an educational platform for consumers of security services, and an essential link between the private security industry and government. The Security Association of South Africa (SASA) is nationally recognised by the Government, South African Police Service and all Municipalities as having members with a proven track record within the industry and a Code of Ethics by which members must abide.

SASA Gold Membership promotes compliance not only to the industry role-players, but to the end-users of security services as well. Join SASA today and find out more about how we can fight the scourge of non-compliance, promoting SASA Gold Membership as an essential requirement for all security service providers, ensuring industry excellence for the private security industry.

For more information, contact the SASA Administrator on admin@sasecurity.co.za Postal Address: Suite 147, Postnet X2 Helderkruin, 1733. Tel: 0861 100 680 Fax: 086 670 9209

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