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The importance of security guards to the country’s economy cannot be overlooked as they risk their lives to protect resources and human life. It is also essential that companies or organisations have the right level of security to ensure they are free to operate and concentrate on their core business in whatever sector they are in. It is against this background that Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, the owner of one of Bulawayo-based Nokel Security decided to venture into this sector upon calling it time at the Zimbabwe National Army.
During his last three years as a soldier, Rtd Col Mhlophe managed to make up his mind on how he was going to make a living outside the barracks and nothing else ever crossed his mind other than undertaking a business that offers security services since he had acquired the requisite skills and expertise during his 25-year tenure in the force.
Nokel Security offers static, undercover and armed guards, cash-in-transit, mobile surveillance, circuit camera television, alarm systems and events management security.
“In 2001 I came to a decision that I had played my part in the army and as the norm at ZNA when one decides to quit they have to give a three-year notice of which during that period you are prepared or mentored to live a life outside the barrack,” Retired Col Mhlophe said.
“When asked by my superiors about the career I wanted to pursue I didn’t hesitate but simply told them about my ambition of owning a security company since I thought I had the requisite skills to start one and it also presented a lucrative business.”
Though Retired Col Mhlophe was to retire in 2004, Nokel Security had already started operation with him calling the shots from yonder as he was still serving in the army.
“I started off from humble beginnings as I only had two guards and had to make do with them for at least two years.
“I almost quit but managed to keep my cool. I was faced with a situation whereby I had to pay my two employees and rentals and struggling to break even,” narrated Rtd Col Mhlophe.
However, as Rtd Col Mhlophe was contemplating quitting his quest of reaping from the security services sector in 2003 things began to blossom resulting in the number of guards rising from two to 60 and as they say the rest is now history.
To date Nokel Security employs more than 150 personnel and boasts of seven branches in Gweru, Victoria Falls, Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Chegutu, Kwekwe and Bulawayo.
“Next year we intend to have another branch in Harare as we have received inquiries there and if things improve we might consider moving into South Africa, Botswana and Zambia as part of our long-term strategy,” Rtd Col Mhlophe said.
“We recently struck a deal with a leading South African security equipment supplier and we hope to use our relationship with this firm to open a branch in South Africa.”
Nokel Security recently struck an open-ended partnership with ATS Surveillance Solutions of South Africa to supply the local market with mobile surveillance equipment.
The deal, clinched last month, will see Nokel Security distributing and installing Wolf-Eye mobile surveillance units in the entire country where the Bulawayo firm is the sole agent.
The ATS security systems or equipment can be installed at private homes, businesses and other public places such as in stadia, mines among other premises in need of guarding points.
Rtd Col Mhlophe believes that the training and skills set of security guards is the most important factor for the success and failure of a security company.
As the economy continues to stutter, crime has increased and security guards face increasingly difficult situations. Training and improving security officer decision making and communication skills have become more important than ever.
“Being a security guard is not merely lifting a boom gate. Gone are the days when this job was only meant or construed as one for the uneducated. These days we are even recruiting someone with five Ordinary Levels.
“I am of the view that a guard should appreciate the value of an asset which he or she is guarding and to do that one has to be a bit learned. As a company we also conduct in-house trainings on regular basis,” Rtd Col Mhlophe said.
All businesses have to deal with the knowledge that theft, and other crimes may occur on their premises. Some businesses, such as banks, service stations, and stores are often more of a target for thieves than other types of business.
“Having a security guard at a business premises often helps to provide both a sense of security and peace of mind to the business owner, customers, and employees,” Rtd Col Mhlophe said.
“For businesses in high-risk industries and locations, having a security guard on hand allows employees to be more productive as they are not spending time worrying about security issues.
“Nowadays having tight security is not all about the number of guards but the use of modern technologies whereby instead of having 10 guards to secure a place that can be done by an individual.
“The importance of security guards should also not be taken for granted as we complement the efforts of the police and other law enforcers in guarding properties worth millions of dollars,” he added.
He however, bemoaned the sprouting of unregistered security companies. Instead of identifying and reducing risks to assets and humans, he said, they are the security risk itself.
“There are a number of unregistered security companies which are operating more or less as briefcase businesses and these don’t pay any form of tax and are a risk to property owners as most of them don’t have insurance cover.
“In the event that a place they are guarding is robbed such companies disappear and most of them give their guards low remuneration, a situation, which makes them to be involved in a lot of activities that prejudice the companies or individuals they render services to,” Rtd Col Mhlophe said.
He alleged that security companies based outside Harare were sidelined when it comes to being offered jobs to guard government buildings stating that this could only be solved if the State Procurement Board decentralised its services.
derick.khumalo