Derrick Madlala is an unassuming man. His quiet disposition belies his substantial contribution to the development of the national guarding division of one the foremost security companies in SA.
Development is no longer a perk, it’s an expected part of working. For Derrick Madlala, Managing Director of Red Alert Guarding, mentorship, training and development formed an integral part of his journey from security guard to director at Red Alert.
Derrick started his career working shifts – nightshift at that. At the time, he had to walk a fair distance to get to work and once the company identified this challenge, they supplied him with a solution. He chuckles as he recalls that his first company vehicle, way back in 1997, was a bicycle that didn’t change gears.
Fast forward two decades and things have certainly changed. Derrick now runs the National Guarding division of Red Alert, listed as one of the biggest employers in the cleaning and security sector.
Derrick is a man of great dignity, with a keen sense of humour and a natural warmth that instantly draws you in. He is no stranger to hard work. He matriculated in 1991 and went straight to work as a security guard.
In 1993 he completed Security Guard training supported by the Department of Manpower and with this qualification, managed to secure a position at Red Alert in 1994.
His commitment to development was evident and he undertook various leadership courses whilst he was doing nightshifts and progressed to complete a Human Resources and Training Diploma through Varsity College.
In 2004 he took over the reigns as the Pietermaritzburg Branch Manager. His leadership skills led to further promotions in relatively quick succession, first as KwaZulu-Natal Regional Director and in 2010, as Managing Director and Shareholder of the company.
Security services are one of the largest and most stressful employee sectors in South Africa. It is also an industry heavily based on manpower. Red Alert employs 8 500 people, and the guarding portfolio is a major contributor to this large workforce.
The security industry is increasingly supporting the physical presence of guards on the ground with sophisticated technology. In this regard, Derrick has been instrumental in the growth of the technology at Red Alert. Guards on patrol are supported from a state-of-the-art Intelligence Centre in Centurion and control rooms at every branch.
Live monitoring of sites across the country and a wide network of mobile infrastructure provides operators with intel that aids in crime prevention and supports guards on the ground. The company has also extended their offering to include armoured vehicles and a riot squad in Gauteng.
He has played a pivotal role in the development of other branches and key personnel, which has directly impacted the company’s offerings. Under his guidance, Red Alert has emerged as leaders in their space in the retail and logistics sectors in addition to their existing basket.
Their longstanding clients are testament to his passion for service excellence underpinned by his commitment to furthering the personal development of those in his employ.
As the business has expanded to incorporate all these services, the demand for suitably qualified people has mushroomed. In response, Red Alert has launched their own training company which operates nationally.
Derrick attributes much of his success to his earliest mentors – Daryl Harvey, the son of the founder, Don Harvey. Daryl and Derrick worked side-by-side for many years and Daryl’s trust in his abilities and ongoing mentorship created the foundation for his journey in this family-run business.
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A closer look at the powerhouse that is Red Alert’s Managing Director, Joanne Kruger
Picture: Supplied