By Lwandile Hlekwayo
In South Africa’s security industry, the South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA) Reaction Man Competition isn’t just a test—it’s the test. And on 25 September at Ballito, Blue Security’s reaction officers proved why they’re the gold standard, dominating the field to earn the title of Best Reaction Team in KZN.
Blue Security has cemented itself as the undisputed reaction team in KZN by performing the best at the SAIDSA Reaction Man Competition 2025. This makes them worthy of being the first line of defence when one thinks of pressing their panic button. The SAIDSA Reaction Man competition tests participants in a number of high-pressure challenges. These include live-fire shooting drills, obstacle driving, endurance trials, and physical fitness assessments—all essential skills for a reaction officer to wield.
Blue Security didn’t just win, they swept. Minenhle Cele took the shooting event and walked away as Best Overall Reaction Man. Nkosinathi Gcwensa posted the fastest driving time. Jemol Davidson dominated the fitness challenge. When the team categories were announced, Blue Security claimed both: Cele and Gcwensa as champions, Davidson and Zwelithini Ndlovu as runners-up. The overall podium? Cele on top, Ndlovu second, Gcwensa third. All Blue.
This isn’t new territory for Blue Security, as they’ve won the Reaction Man Competition before, both as a team and at national level with a Best Overall title. Last year they went one-two at provincials and racked up multiple category wins at nationals. The pattern’s clear: consistent top three national finishes, regular first-place category wins in shooting, driving, and fitness. The mandate is clear for Blue Security—we panic, they show up and perform.
Blue Security CEO Henk van Bemmelen states that “these results reflect the skill, discipline and tireless training of our officers, who are always prepared for any situation.” “Being named the Best Reaction Team in KZN is an honour that recognises their skill and reinforces our commitment to protecting Durban communities with professionalism and care,” says van Bemmelen.
There’s a reason this competition matters: it answers the only question that counts—who shows up when it matters? SAIDSA’s Reaction Man event strips away everything except skill, preparation, and nerve. It’s where South Africa’s reaction officers prove they’re ready for the moments that define their profession. Communities in KZN can find comfort in knowing that when push comes to shove, Blue Security will rise above.