Judges

Mike Thabo Nkuatsana

Security Association of Lesotho

Mike Thabo Nkuatsana is a seasoned security management practitioner of more than 30 years in the private security sector. He is a certified security management professional (CSMP) of the International Security Management Institute (ISMI)(UK).

Mike joined the private sector in 1995 contributing in various capacities –

• Training Instructor and Operations management
• Human Resources Manager at G4S Lesotho
• Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Central Bank of Lesotho and leader of the Financial Institutions security fraternity
• Worked as security provider and consultant in Botswana between 2008 and 2014

Mike is the industry captain in Lesotho with various responsibilities as –

• Chief Executive Officer at Apex Protection Services
• President of Association of Private Security Companies (APSC)
• Member of the Private Security Officers Board (PSOB)

Thabo Mike has been a leading member of the Ministry of Education’s Task team on the formulation of private security education program since 2018 in Lesotho.

He has been a member of the Minister of Labour’s National Advisory Committee on Labour (NACOLA) since 2021 responsible for the private security sector.

He is a founding member of the newly formed Southern African Security Association, a Sadc regional collaboration of associations representing the Kingdom of Lesotho.  

Samuel Kealotswe

Security Association of Botswana

Samuel Kealotswe is a seasoned business professional with extensive experience in the security industry. Throughout his career, he has successfully led numerous projects across Botswana, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing security standards and industry practices.

He has served as the Vice Chairman of the Palapye Business Community, contributing significantly to local economic development. Additionally, Samuel has held the position of Chairman of the Liquor Act, overseeing the issuance of licenses for liquor outlets and bars, ensuring compliance and industry growth.

Currently, he is the Chairman of the Security Association of Botswana, where he advocates for the adoption of cutting-edge technology and best practices to combat crime effectively. He also serves as the Chairman of the Licensing Board under the Ministry of State President, playing a vital role in regulating and licensing security and related services.

Since 2001, Samuel has been a Director of Grembo Security, guiding the company’s growth and strategic direction. His passion lies in transforming the security industry through innovative technology, professional training of security personnel, and promoting best security practices to ensure safety and security across Botswana.

Samuel holds a Diploma in Law and a Higher Diploma in Security Management, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of legal and security frameworks essential for industry leadership.

Filipe Joel de Almeida

Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA)

Professional path centered in the Security, IT & Risk Management areas and a degree in Management, with great connection and responsibilities supporting Business Operations.

Extensive experience in designing and implementing systems that allow the optimization of processes to a greater control of the operations, focused in increasing the Business Resilience & Sustainability.

Working as Corporate Security & Business Resilience Director in Rangel Logistics Solutions, oversees Security operations over 9 different countries and as TAPA EMEA Regional Lead for Africa, coordinates the Association initiatives across the continent to increase the Supply Chain Security and Resilience

Thorsten Neumann

Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA)

After joining the Transported Asset Protection Association’s (TAPA) Board of Directors in the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region in 2003, he went on to serve as Chairman of TAPA EMEA between 2006 and 2019 before being appointed as the supply chain security and resilience Association’s first-ever full-time President & CEO in 2020.

 Since then, TAPA EMEA has built a full-time professional team to support it membership of nearly 800 companies, including Manufacturers, Logistics Service Providers, Insurers, Security Service Providers and Consultancies, as well as Law Enforcement Agencies and Associate Partner organisations from across the EMEA region. As well as its highest-ever membership in the region, TAPA EMEA is also seeing record growth in companies achieving certifications for its Facility, Trucking and Secure Parking industry standards. Supported by the Association’s biggest-ever training programme.

In 2022, the launch of the TAPA EMEA Intelligence System (TIS) now provides members with a new and intuitive intelligence tool to support their risk management and loss prevention strategies by providing a searchable database of all cargo crime incidents reported to the Association. As well as representing TAPA EMEA during its work with, and support of, Europol, INTERPOL, the European Commission, and other supply chain security stakeholders, Thorsten is a NATO Civil Expert for Transportation, Communication & Cyber Threats. He also serves as Chair of the Board (Vorstandsvorsitzender) of ASW NORD, the Alliance for Security in the Economy of Northern Germany (ASWN).

Earlier in his career, Thorsten spent 10 years with Motorola and 7 years with Nokia, initially as Head of Supply Chain Security and ultimately holding the position of Chief Security Operation Officer. Following the acquisition of Nokia in 2013, he joined Microsoft, holding Director roles in Europe and the United States. He is now based at TAPA EMEA’s offices in Germany.

Dieter Arendt

ASIS South Africa

Dieter is a seasoned security risk management professional with more than 30 years’ experience in the protection of critical infrastructure. Before joining the South African Reserve Bank 13 years ago, he served in the South African Police Service for 18 years. His qualifications include a BA degree in political science and a diploma in security management. He is currently serving as the Chapter Chairman for the ASIS International South African. He holds the ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) certifications. 

Tony Botes

Security Association of South Africa (SASA)

Tony Botes has been active in the Private Security Sector since the mid 1980’s and has served the industry in various capacities –
• Entered the private security industry in 1986.
• Secretary/Treasurer, Vice Chairman and Chairman of SANSEA (South African National Security Employers Association), Transvaal Region, during the 1990’s.
• National Vice Chairman and Chairman of SANSEA during the same period.
• On the Executive Committee of SSEO, the Security Services Employers Organisation, since its formation in 1997, including the positions of Deputy Chairman and Chairman, thereafter as Secretary after retiring as an active security service provider.
• He has been involved in the periodic wage negotiations for our sector since the early 1990’s and has, during that same period, been the primary author of the sectoral determination, the primary legislation covering minimum salary levels, benefits and conditions of employment in the private security industry,
• Tony retired from the guarding industry in 2009 and was subsequently contracted as Risk and Project Manager for the World Cup for the four major stadiums in 2010.
• He now administers SASA, the Security Association of South Africa, as well as consulting to service providers in the Private Security Industry with regard to the interpretation and application of Main Collective Agreement of the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (the legislation governing remuneration and conditions of employment, compliance) and HR/IR matters.

Dewald Herman

ASIS South Africa

Dewald Herman started his career in the hospitality industry after obtaining a BA (Heritage and Cultural Tourism, 2003) from the University of Pretoria. He then moved to the security industry in 2007 where he served on a number of private game reserves in the Limpopo province. In 2011, he obtained a National Diploma in Security Management. In 2012, he joined the University of South Africa (UNISA) and is currently the Cape Coastal Regional Security Manager. He obtained a BTech (Security Management) and an MTech (Security Management, 2020) from UNISA. In 2020, he accomplished his Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) from ASIS International. He is currently enrolled for doctoral studies at UNISA.

Cesley Olivier

South African Women in Security Network (SAWSN)

I am a seasoned security specialist, dedicating over three decades to safeguarding lives and assets in complex, high-stakes environments worldwide.
With 24 years of law enforcement experience and 7 years of strategic involvement with the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, I have a deep understanding of international security dynamics and crisis management.
Currently serving as the Director of Security in a Family Office, I leverage my global perspective and tactical expertise to protect and empower those in my care.
As a certified close protection professional, I have exceptional skill in assessing and mitigating risk, ensuring the highest standards of personal safety for high-profile individuals.
My approach is defined by advanced, customized security strategies that align with the unique needs of my clients, from threat prevention and emergency response to operational integrity and privacy protection.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, I stand as a trusted leader in the field, bringing calm and expertise to even the most challenging situations.