Orbis Security Solutions in the spotlight:
An overview of the security and cleansing service provider to the CIDC

Orbis Security Solutions, whose vision it is to become the market leaders in the Western Cape in all aspects of risk management, is a new generation SME focused on serving the security needs of their clients. They are driven by their passion for providing exceptional levels of service, uplifting their employees through continued skills transfer and their desire to set a benchmark in the security industry.

Following their appointment in February 2007, Orbis will endeavour to enhance the visibility and level of security within the boundaries of the CIDC’s area of jurisdiction through the deployment of well-trained and dedicated security officers. “I am passionate about safety”, says Mark Sangster, MD of Orbis, “and as a seasoned policing practitioner, I will work tirelessly to enhance aspects of safety and security within the Claremont area”.

According to Sangster, numerous initiatives aimed at crime prevention and law enforcement aspects are in the pipeline. These will include awareness programmes, youth-at-risk and adult education programmes, as well as pedestrian safety initiatives. “With respect to safety initiatives”, says Mark,  “particular attention will be given to the youth who frequent the facilities in Claremont. We will work together with other stakeholders to ensure maximum support for social crime prevention programmes”. A CIDC-driven operational forum has already been formed with key stakeholders being invited to the inaugural meeting, which took place on 28 March 2007.

THE ORBIS TEAM

The directors and management of Orbis have well over 70 years of collective experience in the private security and law enforcement industry.  Their hands-on management and supervising approach enables them to provide a seamless, cost-effective, one-stop solution centred on the competency of physical guarding services. They are also proactive in anticipating the changing environment and evolving security needs.

Heading up the Orbis team is Managing Director, Mark Sangster, a well-known and respected specialist in local government policing. During his 26-year career he held senior management and director positions with the City of Cape Town. In 1980 he joined the Cape Town Traffic Service and advanced rapidly through the ranks to become the youngest ever Traffic Manager in 1997. In 1999 he was promoted to Director of Protection Services and in 2001, he became the first ever Chief of the Cape Town City Police, a position he held until May 2005, when he joined Orbis.  Mark also has a strong academic background and holds two national diplomas and three university degrees, including a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Stellenbosch.

Jeremy Horner, who is tasked with Orbis’ Business Development, joined the British South Africa Police in 1977, serving in various posts throughout Matabeleland. In 1982 he left to pursue a career in the private security industry in South Africa. He joined Gray Security Services in 1983 as a security manager and in 1995 was appointed to their Board of Directors in the Western Cape. During this time he was responsible for a large portfolio of clients including many blue chip and listed organizations.

Attending to Orbis’ financial responsibilities is Ian McGavin, who worked in the Internal Audit Division of Caltex Oil (SA) for 4 years, before spending close to a decade in the manufacturing industry. In 1988 Ian joined Gray Security Services, Western Cape as Financial Manager. This career move coincided with a growth phase in the company and he became responsible for maintaining financial control and discipline as the company expanded up the coast and later into Africa. A highlight was the successful listing of Gray Security Services (Pty) Ltd on the JSE in March 1999. After the acquisition by Securicor (2000) and merger with Group 4 Falck (2004), he decided to join Orbis Security Solutions in 2005.

Head of Operations, Stuart Wragg, served as an officer in the South African Marines for six years until he left to join the private security industry. In 1995 he joined Gray Security Services, extending his experience further in diverse environments ranging from shopping centres to residential estates and corporate properties. He received the ASIS qualification of CPP (Certified Protection Professional) in 1999 and in 2001 specialised in campus protection at a premier tertiary institution in the Western Cape. In 2005, he left the services of G4S whilst holding the position of Regional Manager, to join Orbis Security Solutions.

Newton Kies commenced his career in the security industry in 1986 with Delta Security as a Grade D security officer.  He joined Gray Security Services in 1990 as a Patrolman.  In 1992 he completed the security management diploma through Damelin College.  After successful completion of his diploma he was promoted to Inspector (Grade B) at Constantia Village Shopping Centre.  In 1993 he enrolled at Technikon SA for the Human Resource Management Diploma and was promoted to Personnel Clerk a year later.  Through the years he was promoted to Human Resources Manager and Industrial Relations Manager for the CBD and Boland regions of Gray Security Services.  During his stay with G4S he was elected member trustee of the Provident and Pension fund.  After serving the company for 16 years he left to join Orbis Security Solutions.    

The CIDC is enthusiastic about working closely with Orbis toward a safer and cleaner Claremont.

www.orbissecuritysolutions.com