2025 Winners’ Summaries
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director
Kerissa Varma – Microsoft
Kerissa, with over 20 years of cybersecurity experience—including CISO roles at Vodacom and Old Mutual—joined Microsoft in October 2024 as Chief Security Advisor for Africa. She is known for her leadership across diverse industries and countries, her focus on making cybersecurity a business priority, and her commitment to gender equity as the Founder and President of WiCyS Southern Africa.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Jannie Ruppersberg – Koreserv Security
Through strong leadership and an employee-first approach, Jannie has driven security performance, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved client satisfaction and retention. By empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and improving systems and processes, Jannie has built a culture of excellence and trust at Koreserv Security.
Outstanding Security Team
SBV Security and Intelligence Team – SBV Security Services
In a country facing the highest rate of cash-in-transit incidents globally, the SBV Security Team has demonstrated exceptional resilience and effectiveness. Despite the challenging environment, SBV accounted for only 1.4% of South Africa’s 1,456 CIT attacks over the past five years, setting a benchmark for security excellence.
Outstanding Security Consultant
André Mundell – Alwinco
André Mundell, founder of Alwinco, is a leading independent security risk assessor with over 6,000 assessments conducted across sectors. Known for evaluating security through a criminal’s lens, his expertise has shaped best practices globally, influencing businesses, communities, and professionals in South Africa and beyond.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
Derica Lambrechts – Department of Political Science Stellenbosch University
Associate Professor Derica Lambrechts has taught Political Risk Analysis at Stellenbosch University for over a decade, equipping students and professionals to navigate risks from governmental and societal actions. Her dynamic, practice-oriented courses—covering topics from cybersecurity to geopolitical shifts—prepare graduates for analyst roles both locally and internationally.
Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator
Secutel Technologies
Secutel Technologies has demonstrated exceptional efficiency and innovation in security integration, driven by a lean, adaptable team and a strong focus on client outcomes. Through continuous improvement, advanced technology, and unwavering support, they’ve set a benchmark for excellence and long-term value in the security industry.
Outstanding New Security Product
Docked Drone Solution – 24/7 Drone Force
In 2024, 24/7 Drone Force launched a Docked Drone Solution featuring drones that autonomously take off, land, and recharge from a remote docking station. These drone-in-a-box systems are programmed for missions and are operated by licensed BVLOS pilots from a central command centre.
Outstanding Female Security Professional
Eva Nolle – Ceravoid
Eva Nolle is the Co-founder of Ceravoid and Founder of the South African Women in Security Network, currently serving as Regional Vice President for ASIS International’s Region 10A. She holds CPP, PCI, and CFE certifications and was recently appointed to the B20 South Africa Integrity and Compliance Task Force.
Outstanding Young Security Professional
Denielle Rawthee – Vodacom
Denielle is a visionary cybersecurity professional with a four-year track record of driving innovation, including leading DevSecOps initiatives and bridging the cybersecurity skills gap for startups. She established key programs at Vodacom, mentored future professionals, and fostered a security-conscious culture across Vodafone markets in Africa.
Lifetime Achievement
Dave Dodge
Dave Dodge served in the Metropolitan Police in London for 30 years, retiring as a Detective Chief Inspector in 2007, with a focus on major crime, public order, and diversity training. He then joined Eskom in South Africa as Chief Advisor – Group Security, contributing to national infrastructure protection and planning for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Since 2013, he has worked as an independent security and risk management consultant across Africa and the Middle East. Dave is a certified expert in multiple international security standards and was the first in South Africa to hold both CPP and PCI certifications from ASIS International.
With nearly five decades of experience, Dave has made significant contributions to both the public and private security sectors, running his own consultancy for over a decade. He is an active ASIS International volunteer, helping elevate peers through certification courses and playing a key role in developing industry standards and guidelines.