Mziwamandlovu Rala

Security professional with over 20 years of experience in both the private and public sector, specializing in risk management and strategic security operations.

As Chief Security

Officer at the National Department of Water and Sanitation since 2011, oversees security protocols across multiple regional offices, demonstrating a proven track record in enhancing safety measures and mitigating risks. A solid foundation as Risk Officer at the National Department of Mineral Resources complements extensive expertise. I also have C1 (code 10) driver's license with PDP.

Chief Security Officer - National Department of Water and Sanitation - King William's Town (Eastern Cape Province)

(2020-02 - 2023-02)

• Enhanced physical security measures by overseeing the installation of advanced surveillance (CCTV) systems and access control devices.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance the overall departmental security posture, implementing cost-effective solutions as necessary.
• Reduced security incidents for increased safety with regular risk assessments and proactive mitigation strategies.
• Improved overall company security by developing and implementing comprehensive security policies and procedures.
• Handled sensitive internal investigations discreetly, resolving conflicts while preserving the integrity of the organization.
• Compile Security Service Level Agreement (SLA) for Private Security Service Providers (PSSPs) contracted to the Department.
• Continuously assessing the risks and threats to the Department and establish early warning intelligence pertaining to geographical and human threats.
• Conduct Threat and Security Risk Assessment (TRA)
• Report all incidents to a line manager and ensure that all incidents are investigated as per Departmental Security Policy.

Chief Security Officer - National Department of Water and Sanitation - Bellville (Western Cape Province)

(2011-01 - 2020-03)

• Managing and overseeing all security activities within the security Directorate in the Province: Western Cape Province.
• Compiling Demand Management Plan (DMP) for Provincial security Directorate.
• Verification and reconciliation of invoices received by Department for payment of Private Security Service Providers (PSSPs).
• Draft and review of security policy, plans and all relevant procedures.
• Establish Joint Operational Committee (JOC) prior to Ministerial and all other Departmental events with the province.
• Coordinate Vetting strategy for the region and liaise with all relevant stakeholders.
• Compile Security Service Level Agreement (SLA) for Private Security Service Providers (PSSPs) contracted to the Department.
• Continuously assessing the risks and threats to the Department and establish early warning intelligence pertaining to geographical and human threats.
• Create, develop and maintain a security awareness and training programmed for the province.
• Investigate security breaches which are within my jurisdiction.
• Conduct root-cause analysis to understand process deficiencies and protect against reoccurrence of such deficiencies.
• Conduct Threat and Security Risk Assessment (TRA)

Risk Officer/Security Supervisor - Department of Minerals and Energy - Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape Province)

(2008-12 - 2010-12)

• Supervising an outsourced security service provider.
• Oversee the operations of security services with the Department Premises.
• Investigate security breaches occurred within the Premises
• Ensure compliance with Departmental security policy.
• Compelling reports for management
• Coordinate security meetings between the department and the outsourced security service providers.
• Management of outsourced security officers.
• Compiling and monitoring of security registers.

Matric (Grade 12) - St Bartholomew's Senior Secondary School (1998-12)

SSA Security Managers/Advisor Course - State Security Agency (SAA) (2016)

National Diploma in Public Management - Public Management - Northlink College (2018)

Security Vetting Certificate - Security Vetting - University of Stellenbosch (2014)

Introduction To SAMTRAC - Occupational Health and Safety - NOSA (2014)

Project Management 1 - Project Management - Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) (2016)