Former Springboks show off fast-growing business
Former Springboks John Smit and Wahl Bartmann have highlighted the new service offered by the Fidelity Services Group’s fire rescue business, SecureFire.
Fidelity Services Group, South Africa’s largest security company, is led by Bartmann, who serves as CEO.
In September, it was announced that the Fidelity Services Group would acquire SSG Holdings, where Smit is CEO. Smit led the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup as captain.
Founded just over a decade ago, SSG offers security, cleaning, hygiene, and integrated facilities management services.
It services customers in the mining, commercial, retail, industrial, and government sectors.
It operates across 14 locations nationwide and has a dedicated workforce of nearly 9,000 employees.
Under the terms of the deal, SSG has become a subsidiary of Fidelity and continues to operate under its own brand and leadership team.
The companies said the partnership will transform the nation’s integrated security and emergency services landscape.
The deal also increased Fidelity’s footprint to over 255 locations and its workforce to around 70,000 employees across South Africa.
“By bringing Fidelity and SSG together, we’ve created South Africa’s most advanced private protection capability,” said Bartmann.
“It’s about much more than business; it’s about national readiness.”
Take to the skies
Smit and Bartmann have now teamed up to highlight the new service offered by the recently launched Fidelity SecureFire, a private firefighting service that was launched in 2023.
The former rugby players climbed aboard a fire service hydraulic platform truck, which hoisted them 32 metres above the N1 highway.
The 32-metre hydraulic platform ladder can reach the 10th floor of most buildings, while it also comes with a 400kg-capacity rescue basket.
This expands SecureFire’s ability to rescue people from high-rise and complex urban fires.
The ladder joins SecureFire’s national fleet of 32 fire engines and water tankers, 34 Rapid Intervention Units, and 600 first responders across 19 regional offices.
SecureFire has offices in Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape, with each deployment backed by a Fidelity Fire National Command Centre, which can provide real-time data.
It also offers fire prevention solutions, maintenance and installation contracts, compliance inspections, and digital reporting.
The latest stunt honoured the daily courage of first responders who regularly work at great heights to save lives.
“There are heroes who climb to these heights every day to save lives. We’re up here to show our absolute commitment to giving them the best equipment and support possible,” said Smit.
“As a Springbok, I learned what it means to stand tall under pressure. That’s exactly the mindset needed in emergency services.”
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