Maluta Mukhezakule

Strategic and transformational Head of Security and SHEQ with 20+ years of experience in high-risk environments, including military, aviation, and private security. An MBA, Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, Bachelor of Technology in Safety Management and LLB candidate with deep expertise in enterprise risk management, governance, and regulatory compliance (PSIRA, OHS Act, Firearms Control Act, SANS, ISO 45001). Proven track record of architecting integrated risk frameworks, leading cross-functional teams, and driving operational excellence.

Skilled in board-level stakeholder engagement, incident investigation, and fostering a culture of accountability to ensure business continuity.

Head of Department: Security, Health, Safety and Environment at Red Ant Security Relocation and Eviction Services Pty Ltd (2024-09 – Present)

Accountable for strategic direction, governance, and operational performance of integrated Security and HSE functions in a high-risk environment. Serve as custodian of the security management system, ensuring professional, legally compliant operations that respect human rights.

• Architect and implement an integrated risk and security management framework aligned with PSIRA Act, Firearms Control Act, OHS Act, and SANS standards, driving organisational progression toward ISO 45001:2018 certification.
• Lead the Security Operations Management System (SOMS) transformation, establishing governance structures that ensure 100% regulatory compliance across all operational sites.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on security governance, risk appetite, and compliance obligations.
• Primary liaison with PSIRA, SAPS, and Department of Employment and Labour, ensuring flawless cooperation during inspections and inquiries; maintain 100% compliance with PSIRA registration and grading requirements for all personnel.
• Verify business permits and firearm competency certifications for armed responders in strict accordance with the Firearms Control Act (2000), ensuring all tactical operators meet statutory requirements.
• Design comprehensive training programs on ethical use of force (proportionality and reasonableness), protecting vulnerable persons, and duty of care obligations.
• Transform incident management protocols by implementing robust root-cause analysis methodologies, shifting organisational focus from reactive reporting to proactive prevention and reducing repeat incidents by measurable margins.
• Maintain and present departmental risk register to executive leadership, recommending mitigation strategies that balance operational effectiveness with risk tolerance.
• Oversee security operations across multiple sites, monitoring KPIs for incident response times and client satisfaction; restructure cross-functional teams to optimise performance in high-stakes environments.
• Manage departmental budget, optimising resource allocation for personnel, equipment, and technology while maintaining zero-defect accountability for firearms, CCTV systems, and access control assets.

Manager: Health and Safety at Red Ant Security Relocation and Eviction Services Pty Ltd (2024-06 – 2024-09)

Accountable for the strategic governance and operational performance of the Health and Safety function, reporting directly to senior management.

• Spearhead development of an integrated risk and quality management framework from inception, achieving 100% alignment with OHS Act and SANS standards; establish foundational systems for ISO 45001:2018 certification.
• Design and enforce a complete suite of health and safety policies and procedures, creating an auditable framework aligned with legislative standards.
• Implement robust incident investigation and root-cause analysis protocols, driving organisational shift toward proactive prevention and reducing repeat incidents.
• Streamline Injury on Duty (IOD) administration and reporting processes, ensuring full legal compliance and timely compensation processing.
• Overhaul record-keeping and reporting systems, dramatically improving readiness for internal and external audits, including stringent client audits and unannounced Department of Employment and Labour inspections.
• Ensure 100% closure rate for corrective actions arising from investigation findings and audit non-conformances.
• Design and deliver comprehensive safety training programs, ensuring all personnel, contractors, and clients were competent in and aligned with new organisational safety procedures.
• Provide strategic advice and mentorship to line managers on legal responsibilities and operational safety risks.

Founder and Director at Vhakhesa General Trading Pty Ltd T/A Vhakhesa Consulting (2014-01 – Present)

Founded and established a consulting enterprise providing integrated risk management, health and safety compliance, and strategic business advisory services. As CEO, responsible for strategic vision, business development, corporate governance, and operational oversight.

• Develop and articulate a clear corporate vision and mission, positioning the company as a niche provider of integrated risk and compliance solutions; successfully launch the business and build a growing client portfolio through strategic networking and partnerships.
• Establish governance frameworks ensuring full compliance with all legislative requirements for business operations, including registration, tax compliance, and industry-specific regulations.
• Oversee financial strategy development, budgeting, cash flow management, and pricing models to ensure business sustainability and profitability.
• Design and implement service delivery protocols, ensuring all client engagements meet the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key clients, industry partners, and regulatory bodies, acting as primary representative and ambassador for the company.

Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Facilitator at South African Airways Technical (SAA Tech) Soc Ltd (2015-03 – 2022-05)

Key advisor to management on SHE legislative and quality matters within a heavily engineered aviation maintenance environment (SACAA regulated).

• Develop, implement, and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) for all training activities, ensuring consistency, quality, and continual improvement in line with ISO standards.
• Design and implement a comprehensive, competency-based SHE training curriculum ensuring compliance with stringent SACAA regulations; equip hundreds of employees and contractors with critical safety skills across a complex, unionised environment.
• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory authorities on compliance training matters, demonstrating high-level advisory and negotiation skills in a technically demanding environment.
• Analyse maintenance and operational procedures to identify safety risks and propose practical solutions, ensuring business continuity and worker protection in a safety-critical industry.

Military Practitioner (Soldier) at South African National Defence Force (SA Army) (2004-01 – 2015-02)

Eleven-year military career providing foundational discipline, strategic leadership, and operational risk management expertise in the most demanding environments. Progressed through ranks from Rifleman to Sergeant, reaching Section Commander position responsible for troops, tactical operations, and critical assets.

• Lead and command sub-unit tactical operations in high-pressure, dynamic environments, honing ability to make critical decisions under stress, manage limited resources, and maintain discipline and morale.
• Exercise proactive duty of care for the welfare of subordinates, fostering team cohesion and resilience, fundamental competencies for executive people management.
• Plan and coordinate sub-unit activities, complex logistical schedules, and workflows, demonstrating long-standing ability to manage resources and personnel to achieve strategic mission objectives with precision.
• Serve as unit instructor for firearm training and musketry, developing and delivering comprehensive drills on battle weapons systems, marksmanship principles, and range safety.
• Maintain expert-level proficiency in all assigned battle weapons systems, ensuring personnel maintained a high state of technical readiness through continuous assessment and drills.
• Ensure unwavering adherence to operational protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety regulations to guarantee mission success and team safety.
• Conduct internal assessments (OHS, Governance) and manage corrective action registers to ensure process compliance and operational readiness.
• Accountable for proper handling, safekeeping, and meticulous maintenance of weapons, ammunition, and sensitive equipment, demonstrating unwavering commitment to procedure and zero-defect accountability.

Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law in Labour Law – University of Johannesburg (2025)

Master of Business Administration in Business Administration – Regent Business School (2017)

Bachelor of Technology in Safety Management in Safety Management – University of South Africa (2013)

National Diploma in Safety Management in Safety Management – University of South Africa (2012)

National Certificate in Occupationally Directed ETD Practices in Occupationally Directed ETD Practices – Pro-Active College (2010)

Security Management Diploma in Security Management – Intec College (2008)

Senior Certificate (Matric exemption) in General Education – Thusalushaka Secondary School (2000)