Article sponsored by Bibi Group
QWAQWA – They are the first line of defence, the ones who stare down danger while everyone else sleeps. On Sunday, 18 October, Bibi Group put its security guards front and centre, honouring the men and women who protect its empire of more than 20 sites across QwaQwa, Harrismith and Reitz.
The annual Security Refresher Workshop – now in its fifth year – is more than just training. It is Bibi Group’s salute to dedication, discipline and sacrifice.
“You cannot manage by hope. Hope doesn’t work. You must act, not react,” Training Manager Michael Machete told guards serving Bibi Cash and Carry and Bibi Funeral Parlour.
“It’s summer; they are coming for you. Be vigilant and love your job. Apply all your instincts. The aim is to add value to the investor’s product.”
Machete drilled home the basics that save lives and money: stay alert, use your instincts, and record everything in the occurrence book (OB).
“You are doing a good job. You are not just hired and placed here; you qualify,” he said.
Security Supervisor Olga Maine reminded officers why they wear the uniform.
“The day you arrived here looking for work, you were alone. You asked for this job. Don’t forget why you are here. Remember our job description and do your work,” she said.
For Head of Security Sam Khasebe, the stakes are personal. The company spends half a million rand monthly on security, but unprevented losses cost even more. He has survived gunfire multiple times while protecting company assets.
He thanked his family for standing by him and management for backing the guards.
“Know that not getting a certificate does not mean you are not doing your best. Everyone has a role to play,” Khasebe said, explaining that medals and certificates were awarded on hard statistics and performance data.
Operations Manager Themba Phungwayo hammered teamwork and accountability.
“We strive to be perfect, but no one is perfect. Your very best covers your mistakes. Always try to do your very best,” Phungwayo said.
“Respect should not come with a position. It is part of our humanity.”
Accounts Manager Moses Gadebe said security is the only department that consistently delivers weekly reports on time – proof that the team is working.
“The security job is very tricky; some people don’t understand the job that you do,” Gadebe said.
“When I look at the weekly reports, I can see that the security department is really doing a good job. The whole company is grateful.”
Bibi Group – a homegrown giant that has created over 800 jobs in the Eastern Free State through its cash-and-carry stores, funeral parlour and funeral scheme operations – relies on its in-house team plus private security partners for monitoring and armed response.
The day ended with medals and certificates for top performers – but the message was clear: every guard matters, every shift counts, and vigilance saves lives and livelihoods.
