At Alwinco, our motto is simple:
We always speak the truth, even when it may seem harsh. Delivering the truth is not about judgment or blame. It is about clarity and understanding. That is why Alwinco employs writers to ensure the truth is explained in a way that is objective, precise, and easy to understand. We do not soften the message. We communicate it in a way that is clear, professional, and actionable.
Over the past 20 years, I have often been asked, “Andre, please don’t hold back.
Tell us exactly what is wrong.” And we do. Yet, I have also seen how the truth can unsettle people. When we present findings during a security risk assessment to committees, directors, managers, homeowners, CEOs, or other management teams, the reality often cuts close to the heart. People want honesty, but the results can be uncomfortable. They may become anxious or defensive. Still, our commitment to truth never wavers. Security is not just about protecting property. It is about protecting lives.
Part of delivering the truth is helping people understand the proactive side of security.
We do not simply identify security risks. We provide risk-specific solutions and explain how to implement them effectively. Whether it is improving access control on a corporate campus in Johannesburg, strengthening perimeter security at a residential estate in Cape Town, or reviewing procedures at a government office in Pretoria, our goal is to prevent incidents before they occur. No matter how solutions are presented, speaking the truth remains at the core of our work.
It is crucial to understand one simple reality.
Criminals aren’t concerned about policies, procedures, or paperwork. They do not read it, they do not respect it, and they certainly do not follow it. What matters to a criminal is opportunity. Weaknesses left unaddressed become targets, and criminals act quickly and decisively. The effectiveness of policies is measured not by their existence, but by whether they reduce vulnerabilities in real life.
Red tape, bureaucratic processes, and delays in implementing security measures can create real danger.
I have already seen cases this year where excessive procedures contributed to serious incidents. Homeowners, residential estates, corporate offices, state-owned buildings, and government facilities in Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and other major cities are all vulnerable if security risks are left unmanaged. Crime does not wait for signatures, approvals, or committees. It looks for opportunity, and it acts immediately.
Consider a residential estate in Johannesburg where a new access control system was delayed for months due to procedural and red-tape approvals. During that time, criminals exploited the weak points, resulting in a serious breach. Or a government office in Pretoria where security protocols were incomplete because staff were waiting for paperwork to be finalized. In both cases, the human cost of delay was clear. These examples illustrate that in security, inaction is far more dangerous than imperfection.
That is why the work of Alwinco goes beyond identifying risks.
Our independent security risk assessments in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, and Bloemfontein are designed to provide clients with actionable information. We ensure that people understand the consequences of inaction and the importance of addressing vulnerabilities quickly. Security is not about following rules for the sake of compliance. It is about protecting people and property in the real world.
Our goal is always to empower our clients with knowledge. We provide clear, honest security risk assessments that highlight critical weaknesses, explain practical solutions, and outline the steps necessary to mitigate risk. We speak the truth because lives depend on it, and because understanding the reality of security is the first step toward preventing tragedy.
In the end, truth and clarity are not optional.
Security is not just a matter of compliance or paperwork. It is about anticipating threats, understanding vulnerabilities, and taking decisive action before it is too late. At Alwinco, we will continue to speak the truth, provide clear guidance, and ensure that every client understands that protecting lives comes first.
Contact Alwinco today for an independent security risk assessment in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, or any city or town in South Africa. Protect your property, protect your people, and address opportunities for crime before they are exploited.
Article written by Andre Mundell. # Security risk assessment