Security Update with Fielies Nieuwoudt

When we speak to Kingswood security-team chairman Fielies Nieuwoudt, he invariably lauds the tireless efforts of his subcommittee to further the KGE safety cause.

‘The combined contributions of members – Dr Pieter Viljoen, Willem Jacobs, Piet van Heerden, Mornay Stoop, representatives of Scholz Consult, and Caron Manchest as secretary – are invaluable.’

In previous editions of The BUZZard, Fielies introduced an advanced camera system to manage the movement of golfers and clubhouse guests, incorporating an LED display that identifi es these drivers and alerts them when they are going in the wrong direction.

The installation of this trailblazing technology is being rolled out according to plan. For residents not yet in the know, Gallagher is a digital access system available in an app format that allows residents to use their smartphone as a secure, contactless key to enter properties or buildings.

It has been an integral part of KGE’s access control system – and for this system to operate most effectively, ‘the My Estate Life (MEL) app, which is used by residents, and Gallagher must “talk” to each other,’ he says.

MEL and Gallagher must be seamless to be most effective. He urges residents to download and master these apps.

Managing the movement of golf and clubhouse guests

‘One of the LED display screens has already been installed – the one at the construction gate.

When captured by the cameras in an unauthorised area of the estate, the LED screen will display that driving there is unauthorised.

‘The guest is requested to turn around – all while being checked by guards manning the control room 24/7. If the guest is really lost or doesn’t follow the instructions, security will be sent to escort them,’ Fielies explains.

‘We’re currently in troubleshooting mode and should be completed by the time you receive this issue of The BUZZard,’ he says, adding that residents are kept abreast of security updates and progress throughout the year via internal Kingswood correspondence.

CCTV and thermal cameras listed in the latest security report include 123 diff erent optical devices:

• Gate House 1 – 18 CCTV
• Gate House 2 – 12 CCTV
• Gate House 3 – 10 CCTV
• Gate House 4 – 18 CCTV
• Contractor’s Gate – 9 CCTV
• Perimeter thermal cameras – 56

Driving these cameras and supporting equipment is an array of power supplies:

• Thermal inverters (gates and control room) – 6
• Inverters (fence) – 4
• Lithium batteries (fence) – 5

Fielies says that, since Wi-Fi is not ultimately trustworthy, the process of laying permanent fiber is integral and ongoing. ‘When considering our current perimeter fence coverage with permanent fibre, we have now completed 3,220m with a further 5,787m yet to be done.’

The digging of trenches to lay the fibre is an arduous and time-consuming job, described by Fielies as ‘donkey work’ – but it needs to be done. ‘We’ve had sterling service by Cape Town-based ZA Products, so the entire distance between Gate 1 and Gate 4 now boasts fibre.’

Stats put the task into perspective

Facts and fi gures included in the May security report list vehicle and human traffic volumes experienced:

• Residents and golf members’ monthly access: 47,467
• General visitors access: monthly average: 21,121
• Visitors to KWCCC/restaurant/Pro Shop monthly average: 2,500
• Deliveries daily total estimate: 59; monthly average: 1,770
• Facial readers walk-ins at turnstiles, daily total estimate: 955; the monthly average is 28,676.

Build @ Kingswood Update

Finally, Fielies says that tallying construction sites falls under the jurisdiction of his security subcommittee:

It’s part of our mandate that we need to protect all properties and building sites.’

• Stands including KW Court + Village + KW Cross and Hotel – 858
• Completed Stands – 662
• Gatehouse – 1
• Community Centre/Clubhouse – 1

Smurf contributes to the Four Ds

Part of the KGE security ‘army’ is Smurf: a mobile, solar-powered surveillance and CCTV unit designed specifically for securing farms and properties across South Africa. It requires no fixed electrical or internet infrastructure, and, says Fielies, it’s pulling its weight.

‘Smurf can detect traffic outside the perimeter up to 50 metres away and so helps us attain the Four Ds: 18 Detect, Delay, Deter, Detain – a foundational framework used in physical security and asset protection to create a layered defence system.

‘By implementing strategies across all four stages, you maximise the chance of interrupting an adversary before they can successfully complete their objective. So far, this approach has kept us safe, with no security breach incidents to report.’

Gatehouse repurposed

It was considered before to move the security hub, currently housed in a container at the construction gate, into the gatehouse. But it is more practical to relocate the control room to the maintenance building on the same erf, leaving the gatehouse open for an exciting new plan.

‘Except for the space where the Pro Shop used to be, the entire ground floor is used as administrative offices.

We were approached by the owner of Pure Movement to use the first floor for her facility, which is sure to be of great benefit to many residents.’

Fielies explains that one of the new offerings is a ‘boutique gym’ which caters for those in recovery after operations or injuries, with specially designed sessions including Pilates, Yoga, and other remedial exercise routines. And if you’re worried about the staircase deterring clients, fret no more: ‘A lift is in the process of being installed to ensure easy access for everyone in need of the services this facility will offer.’

Report suspicious behaviour to the control room on 087 537 9733 (landline) or WhatsApp 083 522 0731; call Gate 1 on 044 874 6877, Gate 2 on 044 874 4797, and Gate 3 on 044 874 4597