Zenna lauds Acsa's 'security renaissance'

THERE'S A 'security renaissance' at Johannesburg International Airport. That's how Guardforce International director Fred Zenna describes recent initiatives by the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) to tighten up security. "As an operator at the airport, we have seen tremendous effort on the ground to address what has been a huge problem not only in South Africa but worldwide over the past few months," said Zenna, who heads up the Guardforce International high value cargo facility at Johannesburg International Airport. Acsa has brought a new team on board comprising general manager Bongani Maseko, security manager Thele Moema, deputy security manager Sagie Govender and Senior Superintendent Trollip of the SA Police Service. "They're committed to ending this deal for real," says Zenna who is delighted with the commitment and enthusiasm of the new team and their determination to bulk up security at the airport. Their plans include: l The opening of a 'super-gate" which will be a state of the art electronic facility to ensure that everything that comes in or out of the airport is under strictest security. All other entries to the airport will be closed. l A substantially increased police presence at the airport. l The provision of police escorts where required. l Enhanced security with regard to access control cards. l Spot road-checks of vehicles moving in and out of the airport. "They've put together a coalition that is getting results," says Zenna, "and our obligation as stakeholders is to co-operate with them. "With the goodwill and co-operation of stakeholders and the freight community things will get better. "Already there are police patrolling everywhere, and I feel more secure." n Acsa's group executive aviation security manager, Paul O'Sullivan, and Petko Atanassov, the aviation services manager for national airports, were last week suspended with full pay following allegations that they flouted traffic aviation regulations at JIA earlier this year.