After 20 years of operation, the ‘Fort Knox’ air freight security facility at OR Tambo International Airport, Guardforce International Transportation, will close its doors on February 6.Security around the issuing of permits appears to be at the heart of the problem.In a statement dated January 6, a Guardforce spokesman said all client permits had been seized by Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) on December 23 on the grounds that they posed a security risk. The company’s multiple permits enabled the clearance of multiple vehicles and crews at any given time, which was essential to prevent congestion. The source told FTW that while the new permit system was relatively new, the company had experienced no problems so far and was therefore surprised when Acsa revoked all permits, bringing the operation to a standstill. “To remove all your permits without notice or without discussing with us the perceived security risk and agreeing a solution has severely disrupted our business.”According to the spokesman, Guardforce made some suggestions to Acsa but they were “not interested”.Airport spokesperson Samukelo Khambule however told FTW that the statement circulated by Guardforce was not a factual ref lection of events and that serious security concerns had been discovered in the manner of permit safekeeping by the company. “The airport receives a licence to operate. Should there be any breach of security processes that could lead to catastrophic consequences, this licence may be revoked. “It is therefore imperative that airport operations be assessed continuously to ensure that we comply in full at all times, which is why the Security Services Department of Ortia conducts assessments of adherence to security procedures. “During a security assessment on December 23, serious security concerns were discovered in the manner of permit safekeeping. As a result all permits were withdrawn with immediate effect andGuardforce was told to acquire one-day permits to obtain access to the airside for operational purposes.”Khambule said that while this was inconvenient, the revoking of personal permits did not affect the company’s ability to apply for day visitors’ permits and to continue operating. “Guardforce would not consider this option,” he said.Guardforce however has a different story to tell.The company’s issue is the way it was done. “Why did they not get an audit, tell us the problem, and tell us how to fix it?According to our source, on the same day their permits were removed, a competitor, who has landside/airside access, circulated a letter to Guardforce clients saying they would bring forward their opening date.Acsa told FTW it was not aware of any competitors and nor did it have any knowledge of or involvement in a letter distributed by a Guardforce competitor, but added that one of the business consequences of not adhering to rules and procedures was a response by competitors. The unconfirmed name of the new operator has been released to FTW but we were awaiting confirmation at time of publication. February 6 is two weeks away and industry stakeholders are still in the dark.Commenting on who would fill the Guardforce void, Acsa said anyone could apply for a one-day permit.“Ultimately, Guardforce and all other entities operating at the airport must comply with all security rules and regulations and support the various processes designed to safeguard the air por t.”Industry in the meantime has expressed concern over the ramifications of the closure of the security fa ci lit y.“Everyone knows Guardforce, how they work, and we trust their methodologies – especially for high-value cargo like cell phones, bullion, diamonds and precious metals. There’s even a South African company that prints euros for Europe that go out through the Guardforce warehouse,” director at Horizon Underwriting Managers, Mike Brews, told F T W.“Lack of security on the airport apron could result in massive claims.”Insurance consultant Petra Fordyce added her voice to the growing concern. “We’re not sure if the other party will be able to provide exactly the same service and whether they will be able to do armed guard collection on the tarmac. They should have come to the SA Insurance Association (Saia) committee to tell us what they can offer the market.“With Guardforce exiting, there will be a major shortage of skills in that area and high-risk commodities will become uninsurable because insurers need protection for their goods – particularly in the high-crime environment in which we operate.”The closure of the company will result in the loss of more than 70 jobs.
INSERT: Why did they not get an audit, tell us the problem, and tell us how to fix it? - Guardforce