Security Services in South Africa
Secure Transportation and Executive Protection in South Africa
ETS Risk Management is one of the leading providers of secure transportation and executive protection in South Africa. We provide protective and associated security services to multiple companies and business travelers, Conferences, and Non-Governmental Organizations traveling throughout South Africa. ETS has an exceptionally experienced and trusted security team based in Johannesburg. This is our main area of operation, but we also serve the popular tourist location of Cape Town and the broader province as required.
ETS provides secure transportation with a range of high end non-armored SUVs and experienced, vetted security drivers. Our armed close protection officers are fully qualified, licensed to RSA standards, and highly experienced operating throughout the region.
Secure Airport Transfers Johannesburg and Cape Town
ETS Risk Management is an industry leader in providing high-quality secure ground transportation and protection services, ensuring safety, reliability, and discretion at every stage. We can support all airport transfers throughout South Africa with local security drivers and licensed executive protection teams. We facilitate security airport transfers for a range of clients and are preferred suppliers to a number of Fortune 500 clients for security services in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Our security drivers and accompanying Close Protection officers provide a low-profile meet and greet service and enable secure movement to/from airport and hotels. Armed Executive Protection is common-place in South Africa and often advised.
Secure airport transfers and secure transportation in Johannesburg and Cape Town can be booked securely online if preferred.
Please visit ExecSecure® or alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to one of our team, contact us
ETS Security Experience in South Africa
ETS Risk Management has been operating within South Africa since 2012, providing secure transportation to a range of high-profile clients, including Fortune 10, 100 and 500 companies and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). We are preferred suppliers to multiple organizations operating within the region and we facilitate secure transportation in Johannesburg on a weekly basis.
We provide multiple functions within the region including airport transfers, executive VIP protection services and special event security.
South Africa Security Overview
South Africa, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers travelers a wealth of experiences. However, the country faces a multifaceted security landscape characterized by high levels of violent crime, organized criminal activities, and emerging cyber threats.
Criminal activity in South Africa is prevalent and includes both violent and non-violent crime. The country experiences exceptionally high levels of violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, gender-based violence and assault. In April 2022, Numbeo found that five of the top 20 most dangerous cities in the world were in South Africa. In 2023, the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index ranked South Africa 130th out of 163 nations in terms of peacefulness, with the cost of violence estimated at R3.30 trillion ($176.49 billion) in 2022, or 15% of the country’s GDP.
Organized crime also poses a significant threat to South Africa’s national security and economic stability. Criminal networks engage in activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal mining.
Non violent crime, such as cybercrime and scams are also widespread. Airport scams and theft of baggage are common at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Scams involving card skimming and credit card fraud are also prevalent. Criminals will target individuals who have their valuables on display and show signs of wealth.
Transport
South Africa boasts the largest road network in Africa, spanning approximately 750,000 kilometers. However, traveling by road in South Africa is medium to high risk. The standard of driving varies throughout the region and drivers can lack discipline and basic skills. Road traffic laws are not routinely enforced, and many rules are ignored, resulting in an increased risk of Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs). RTCs are common in South Africa with the death toll reported as higher than average in comparison to the wider African region and world averages.
Vehicle hi-jackings and robberies are common, especially during the hours of darkness. Criminal gangs operate in areas where traffic is likely to slow or stop, for example, at traffic lights and road traffic junctions. Armed violence will be used if not compliant with the attackers. Avoid traveling alone, especially during the evenings. Road conditions are generally very good, but some rural roads are less maintained and may contain large potholes and poor surface structure.
Urban public transport systems, including buses and commuter trains, are to be generally avoided. Issues such as unreliable services and increased safety concerns mean that other forms of more secure transportation should be utilized if possible.
All clients of ETS get free access to the ExploreSecure® eLearning Travel Security course
FAQ’s for Secure Travel to South Africa
Overland travel in South Africa especially in Johannesburg and Cape Town requires security considerations. The vast majority of itineraries can be facilitated with secure transportation, basic safety precautions, and situational awareness. Violent crime is an ever present threat and opportunistic crime including armed robbery and carjacking are prevalent.
Any travel to Central Business Districts, or overland travel past townships has an increased risk, as does road and pedestrian movement at night.
Yes, armed security operates in South Africa. The vast majority of executive protection officers and security drivers will be armed in South Africa. All security is licensed under the national authority PSIRA.
Yes, armored vehicles can be used in South Africa, though, for the majority, softskin vehicles are used most often and is commensurate with risk as long as traveling with a local security driver and preferably an Armed EP officer.
The vast majority of business travelers, non-local visitors, and high-net-worth travelers to Johannesburg utilize security drivers and Executive protection officers for airport transfers and if moving between locations within the CBD or greater Johannesburg locations. Within Cape Town, often clients utilize secure transportation services.
The road from Tambo to Johannesburg, often Sandton, or other main business and tourist destinations is a target for criminals. Gangs have followed passengers from JNB and robbed them at their destination (hotel or residence) or while en route to their destination. This has also involved criminals pretending to be police, as well as violent and aggressive maneuvers to block vehicles.
Explore our other services
The ETS team push simplification and customer relationship management at every juncture. We have an impressive worldwide network of former colleagues and associates from the global security community. This has supported client operations since 2012 in over 80 countries and 102 cities.
