Security top priority at Sun City

FOLLOWING a six-month tender process, the Sun City complex in the North West Province has appointed Federal Guarding to safeguard guests and visitors. As a division of ASC Holdings, Federal Guarding will appoint 220 staff members, including management and administration, to the operation, establishing an operating company called Federated Northwest. "Sun City management has always taken pride in the excellence of security at the resort - it's among the best in the world," said Mike Wentworth, Sun City Resort security manager. "The swing that started some four years ago towards a more approachable security presence is also in line with world trends, and follows research in such places as Universal Studios and Disney. But the safety of our guests is essential, and we will be adding further electronic vigilance equipment in public areas to ensure this." Guest security is only one aspect of the protection measures taken at Sun City. The perimeter of the resort is secured by Falcon Security, which safeguards against intrusion - "there remains a role for the traditional paramilitary security force in outright protection," said Wentworth. André Dumas, managing director of ASC Holdings, said his staff would also receive intensive training to enable them to supply information about the facilities and services at Sun City. A dedicated guest relations officer would be appointed by his company to deal with the more sensitive issues and act as an interface between Federal Guarding and guests should a need arise. (Elizabeth Sheridan)