ETS Security Services in South Africa
Secure Transportation and Executive Protection Services in South Africa
ETS Risk Management is a leading provider of executive protection services in South Africa, trusted by multinational corporations, NGOs, business travellers, and event organizers for professional and discreet security solutions. With a well-established presence in Johannesburg and operational reach across Cape Town and other high-risk or high-profile areas, ETS delivers reliable security services in South Africa tailored to diverse operational needs.
We specialize in providing secure transportation in South Africa, combining local expertise with international risk management standards. Our fleet includes high-end, non-armored SUVs operated by vetted, professional security drivers trained in defensive and evasive driving techniques. Whether supporting corporate itineraries, diplomatic movements, or VIP delegations, ETS ensures seamless and safe ground transportation across South Africa’s urban and regional environments.
For clients requiring enhanced personal security, ETS offers executive protection in South Africa with licensed and experienced armed bodyguards. Our armed bodyguards for hire in South Africa are qualified to RSA standards and possess extensive regional experience, making them well-equipped to operate in both routine and high-threat environments. These close protection officers provide a discreet, professional presence and are trained in threat detection, tactical response, and client-facing conduct.
Our executive protection services in South Africa are scalable and adaptable to meet the specific risk profiles of our clients. From solo VIP movements to high-capacity event security or multi-location itineraries, we deliver comprehensive protective coverage backed by real-time intelligence and operational support.
Whether you require secure airport transfers, journey management in Johannesburg, high-level protection in Cape Town, or fully customized security planning, ETS Risk Management provides the confidence and control necessary for safe operations in South Africa. Our mission is to deliver risk-mitigated mobility and protection solutions that align with your organization’s security priorities.
Secure Airport Transfers Johannesburg and Cape Town
ETS Risk Management is an industry leader in providing high-quality secure ground transportation and protection services, ensuring safety, reliability, and discretion at every stage. We can support all airport transfers throughout South Africa with local security drivers and licensed executive protection teams. We facilitate security airport transfers for a range of clients and are preferred suppliers to a number of Fortune 500 clients for security services in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Our security drivers and accompanying Close Protection officers provide a low-profile meet and greet service and enable secure movement to/from airport and hotels. Armed Executive Protection is common-place in South Africa and often advised.
Secure airport transfers and secure transportation in Johannesburg and Cape Town can be booked securely online if preferred.
Please visit ExecSecure® or alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to one of our team, contact us
ETS Security Experience in South Africa
ETS Risk Management has been operating within South Africa since 2012, providing secure transportation to a range of high-profile clients, including Fortune 10, 100 and 500 companies and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). We are preferred suppliers to multiple organizations operating within the region and we facilitate secure transportation in Johannesburg on a weekly basis.
We provide multiple functions within the region including airport transfers, executive VIP protection services and special event security.
South Africa Security Overview
South Africa, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers travelers a wealth of experiences. However, the country also presents a dynamic and complex security environment shaped by a combination of socio-economic challenges, organized crime, and regional disparities. While it remains one of Africa’s most developed nations and a major hub for international business, mining, and tourism, the country continues to experience high levels of crime, political volatility, and infrastructure-related risks that can directly impact travelers and business operations.
Urban centers such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town are particularly affected by violent crime, including armed robbery, hijacking, and home invasions. Carjackings and follow-home robberies are a well-documented risk, especially for those using unvetted transportation or displaying visible signs of wealth. Criminal activity is often organized and opportunistic, with foreign nationals and business travelers frequently targeted due to perceived affluence. It is essential to adopt stringent travel security protocols, particularly for airport transfers, intercity movements, and visits to unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
In April 2022, Numbeo found that five of the top 20 most dangerous cities in the world were in South Africa. In 2023, the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index ranked South Africa 130th out of 163 nations in terms of peacefulness, with the cost of violence estimated at R3.30 trillion ($176.49 billion) in 2022, or 15% of the country’s GDP.
Organized crime also poses a significant threat to South Africa’s national security and economic stability. Criminal networks engage in activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal mining.
Non violent crime, such as cybercrime and scams are also widespread. Airport scams and theft of baggage are common at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Scams involving card skimming and credit card fraud are also prevalent. Criminals will target individuals who have their valuables on display and show signs of wealth.
Transport
South Africa boasts the largest road network in Africa, spanning approximately 750,000 kilometers. However, traveling by road in South Africa is medium to high risk. The standard of driving varies throughout the region and drivers can lack discipline and basic skills. Road traffic laws are not routinely enforced, and many rules are ignored, resulting in an increased risk of Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs). RTCs are common in South Africa with the death toll reported as higher than average in comparison to the wider African region and world averages.
Vehicle hi-jackings and robberies are common, especially during the hours of darkness. Criminal gangs operate in areas where traffic is likely to slow or stop, for example, at traffic lights and road traffic junctions. Armed violence will be used if not compliant with the attackers. Avoid traveling alone, especially during the evenings. Road conditions are generally very good, but some rural roads are less maintained and may contain large potholes and poor surface structure.
Urban public transport systems, including buses and commuter trains, are to be generally avoided. Issues such as unreliable services and increased safety concerns mean that other forms of more secure transportation should be utilized if possible.
All clients of ETS get free access to the ExploreSecure® eLearning Travel Security course
FAQ’s for Secure Travel to South Africa
Overland travel in South Africa especially in Johannesburg and Cape Town requires security considerations. The vast majority of itineraries can be facilitated with secure transportation, basic safety precautions, and situational awareness. Violent crime is an ever present threat and opportunistic crime including armed robbery and carjacking are prevalent.
Any travel to Central Business Districts, or overland travel past townships has an increased risk, as does road and pedestrian movement at night.
Yes, armed security operates in South Africa. The vast majority of executive protection officers and security drivers will be armed in South Africa. All security is licensed under the national authority PSIRA.
Yes, armored vehicles can be used in South Africa, though, for the majority, softskin vehicles are used most often and is commensurate with risk as long as traveling with a local security driver and preferably an Armed EP officer.
The vast majority of business travelers, non-local visitors, and high-net-worth travelers to Johannesburg utilize security drivers and Executive protection officers for airport transfers and if moving between locations within the CBD or greater Johannesburg locations. Within Cape Town, often clients utilize secure transportation services.
The road from Tambo to Johannesburg, often Sandton, or other main business and tourist destinations is a target for criminals. Gangs have followed passengers from JNB and robbed them at their destination (hotel or residence) or while en route to their destination. This has also involved criminals pretending to be police, as well as violent and aggressive maneuvers to block vehicles.
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The ETS team push simplification and customer relationship management at every juncture. We have an impressive worldwide network of former colleagues and associates from the global security community. This has supported client operations since 2012 in over 80 countries and 102 cities.
