Phillip Mmusi – who hails from Sutelong village, near Hammanskraal in the Northwest – is Deputy Director in the Department of Security Services at UP. We learn a little more about him.

Tell us about your academic achievements.

I hold a National Diploma in Security Management from Damelin Management School; a national certificate in Management and Leadership Development from Technicon South Africa; a Security Operations Management certificate from Fidelity Training College; a Management Development certificate from the Gordon Institute of Business Science at UP; a National Diploma in Theology from Theology Education by Extension College; and I am currently a second-year Bachelor of Theology Student at Theology Education by Extension College. 

Where did you work before joining UP?

I worked for various institutions, including Bophuthatswana Prison Services (Correctional Services), the Fidelity Security Group and Trio-Data Private Investigation.

What drew you to the security services field?

It is always fulfilling to know that you have successfully saved or protected human life and property. There is always motivation to do more in creating a safe living space for people. It is a calling to work with people from different backgrounds, which is not an easy task. There is no achievement that exceeds combating crime and being part of the winning team that ensures the safety of UP property, students, staff and visitors.

How does your background and experience align with your current role?   

I have been in the security sector for the past 33 years; 10 of which have been at an institution of higher learning. I have successfully managed the following security projects:

• General guarding security services for different clients.
• National key point protection of Total, BP, Caltex, Shell and Sasol petrol depots in Pretoria.
• Cash in transit: cash loading of stand-alone ATMs at filling stations, schools, factories, etc. in and around Pretoria.
• Protection of social development grants pay points.
• VIP protection of members of judiciary, public prosecution and their families.
• Witness protection of witnesses and their families.
• Retail business security, which includes accessing local townships.
• 2010 Soccer World Cup stadium security operations management.

My job entails the establishment of security operations processes; ensuring compliance with UP policies with the view to creating a safe learning, research and working environment; and, above all, working with people. I have also won four security sector national awards, two Platinum Awards (2014 and 2015) for two for outstanding performance (2008 and 2011).

What does integrity mean to you?

It speaks to the quality of being honest, reliable, having strong moral principles and not allow societal situations to affect what I stand for.

How would you describe your management style?

First and foremost, I am a security practitioner. I adopt a coaching management style, which balances authoritative and affiliative management style. The security service environment needs both authoritative and affiliative management styles.

Outside of work, what do you do to recharge?

I read a lot of biographies, which helps me to reflect on the life experiences of others. I am a theologian, which is a completely new journey that also helps me to recharge. I want to dedicate the remaining years of my life to the church, which has been and still is a pillar of strength. I am also a member of a local gym, where I am trying to increase my one-pack to a six-pack!

How do you think UP can improve morale?

Management and all relevant stakeholders can win the confidence of employees by aligning all the outstanding conditions of services. The relationship of trust between employees and management is negatively impacted by this issue. All relevant stakeholders must join hands and engage with a view to putting these matters to rest. Once harmonisation issues are addressed, we can look at team building campaigns to bring all stakeholders together.

Please share some security tips that the UP community should bear in mind during the festive season.

The following security tips and safety precautions are important:

Gates and access control

From 12:00 on 23 December 2021 to 06:00 on 3 January 2022, vehicle access to Hatfield Campus will be restricted to the University Road entrance (P3, which provides access to the Engineering parkade and Ring Road). The vehicle gates in Prospect Street, Roper Street and Lunnon Road will be closed to traffic.

During this period, only the pedestrian gates in Lunnon Road, Prospect Street and University Road (24-hour access) will be operational, and these will only be accessible by means of a valid staff or student card.

Motorists and pedestrians will have to complete a visitor’s register at the following gates (as well as presenting a valid staff or student card):

• South campus
• LC de Villiers sports grounds
• Hillcrest Campus
• hpc
• Onderstepoort Campus
• Groenkloof Campus
• Mamelodi Campus
• Prinshof Campus
• HW Snyman boom gate
• Kalafong Hospital
• University Road entrance (Hatfield Campus)

ATMs

Please note that all ATMs on all campuses will be emptied and switched off on 23 December 2021. The service will be resumed early in January 2022. 

Office safety

• Please put away any valuable items inside your office and lock the door before you go on holiday. Please leave your office keys at home and not in your holiday vehicle.
• Switch off all air conditioners, lights, radios, computers, printers, etc. before you leave.
• Close office windows.

If you need assistance, contact the 24-hour Operational Management Centre at Security Services on 012 420 2310/2760, or the 24-hour UP Operational Manager on duty at 083 654 0476.