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Partnership between BACSA and SAPS

In late August Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) and the SA Police Service (SAPS) signed a formal partnership agreement in the presence of the BACSA Board and SAPS officials from the Office of the National Commissioner.

“The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) we have signed is a significant milestone in the evolution of a long standing working relationship between the SAPS and BACSA. For many years we have worked with the SAPS to assist wherever needed and requested in the reduction of crime, both within the business environment and in broader society. This MOU provides a more formal basis on which the resources and skills of business can be used by the SAPS to reduce crime and create a country where the lives and property of all citizens are safe and secure,” said Mark Lamberti, chairman of BACSA.

This MOU also reflects the enhancement of the interface between BACSA and SAPS, which has occurred since the appointment of General Bheki Cele.

SAPS national commissioner, General Cele echoed Lamberti’s sentiments, underlining the value of the partnership between Government and business, “In carrying out our fundamental mandate of serving and protecting fellow South Africans we are mindful of the crucial element of harnessing the capacity of business and the private sector in support of our common interest. We certainly believe that this partnership will yield tremendous results towards our efforts to vigorously fight crime and its remnants and ensure that the people of South Africa are safe,” said General Cele.

Dr Graham Wright, BACSA CEO, and General Bheki Cele, National Commissioner of the SAPS

Dr Graham Wright, CEO of BACSA, indicated that “BACSA has, over the past 14 years, supported Government in addressing issues such as the priority crimes and the improvement of the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The agreement builds on this foundation and brings the strategic involvement of the business community in the fight against crime to a new level. We are pleased that we have reached this stage as it reflects the maturity of a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship.”

The MOU recognises the importance of cooperation between the Police Service and the business sector in crime-related matters and spells out the strategic commitment of the parties to focus on:

* Areas of operational support related to police capacity and capacity-building.

* Partnership assistance and support to the Service and its partners.

Wright added: “The tangible outcomes of specific projects undertaken by the parties will be monitored and evaluated on a quarterly basis to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure that best practices are implemented.”

ESDA – market on the move

Andrew Stead, chairman of ESDA said that although the economy is still ‘soft’, the Association’s members have seen an overall increase in sales in the last few months. “One thing that is apparent to all of us is that security is no longer regarded as a grudge purchase but rather as a necessity.”

ESDA and SAIDSA will be holding their respective AGMs on 7 October at 14:00, followed by a dinner show at the Barnyard Theatre in Alberton at 18:00.

SASA AGM

The Western Cape Branch of SASA held its AGM at the Seidelberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on Thursday 9 September. The event took the form of a wine tasting followed by lunch. Pictures will appear in the November issue of Hi-Tech Security Solutions.

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