This year’s show hosted SIA (Security Industry Alliance), ESIA (Electronic Security Industry Alliance), ESDA (Electronic Security Distributors’ Association), FDIA (Fire Detection Installers Association), SAQCC (South African Qualification Certification Committee) and SAIS (South African Institute of Security).
SIA’s Steve Conradie said that the alliance used IFSEC to launch the first phase of its new employee database to members and potential members. This database, which is accessible to members only, captures criminal information and gives companies the opportunity to load all their employees onto the system for thorough checking against other entries.
“The database has resulted in the discovery of a number of individuals, using various aliases to avoid detection of their criminal record. This is a valuable resource for members who are screening potential employees at a minimal licence fee,” said Conradie.
Interest was also shown in the newly formed ESIA and the benefits it offers to members. The fact that ESIA is part of SIA means members can also enjoy SIA benefits.
SAIS’s Errol Peace said that the mere fact that the institute had a presence at the show allowed people to get clarification from SAIS on industry matters, with special emphasis on training requirements. “We are trying to uplift the professional image of security officers by improving the industry standards. Sadly the contention around both PSIRA and the Seta are a big issue.”
Peace said that the Interactive Theatre was a great advantage for both SAIS and the industry, with a number of highly qualified industry specialists sharing valuable information with the visitors. “This was the first time that SAIS had participated in an Interactive Theatre and we were pleasantly surprised with the overwhelming response we had.”
ESDA’s Valerie Bingham said IFSEC was an opportunity for the association to bring important information to a captive industry audience. “We were able to make both distributors and suppliers more aware of the functions performed by the association and the benefits of being a member. We were able to clarify issues that are relevant to the industry and show the industry how we intend to move it forward into the future.
“We had a number of potential new members submit their application forms. This is actually a culmination of the increasing interest that has been shown in ESDA over the past two months. In addition to IFSEC, we are also undertaking regional roadshows, together with SAIDSA, in order to target specific outlying geographical areas. These roadshows take the form of an exhibition where members have an opportunity to showcase their products and solutions to the market,” said Bingham.
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