South African integrated security and safety solutions group Fidelity Services group (Fidelity) and its recently acquired subsidiary, local specialised integrated security, facilities management and cleaning services company SSG Holdings (SSG) have jointly celebrated their new relationship and the acquisition of an impressive new piece of equipment by another Fidelity division, Fidelity SecureFire, in a rather unusual way – lifting their CEOs 32 m into the air.

This was made possible by the aforementioned new equipment: a 32 m turntable fire ladder, which is one of the tallest such devices, and is the tallest employed by a private fire service, in the country. It has a rescue basket with a capacity of 400 kg and can reach the tenth floor of most buildings.

(Fidelity SecureFire is the only full-spectrum nation-wide fire services solutions provider in the country. It has a National Command Centre, a 24/7 operations hub, 16 regional offices, 600 first responders, and a fleet of 32 fire engines and water tankers as well as 34 rapid intervention units. For operations, it uses real-time data and Geographic Information System mapping.)

The two CEOs are Wahl Bartmann of Fidelity (Springbok rugby flanker, 1986-1992) and John Smit of SSG (yes, the former Springbok rugby captain, 2004-2011).

“As a Springbok, I learned what it means to stand tall under pressure,” affirmed Smit. “That’s exactly the mindset needed in emergency services. Today [Wednesday, October 8], 32 m in the sky, I see the scale of responsibility we have to the thousands of people below – in their cars, homes, and businesses. This partnership is about building a new standard of courage and protection for our country.”

“From up here, you see everything differently, the risks, the possibilities, and the responsibility,” pointed out Bartmann. “This is more than an investment in equipment; it’s a declaration that we will rise to protect South Africans when it matters most.”

The event was also meant to highlight the courage of the first responders who use this type of equipment to save lives at great heights. It follows the Flame of Leadership Awards, which honour those dedicated individuals whose courage inspires and safeguards South African communities.

“There are heroes who climb to these heights every day to save lives,” stressed Smit. “We’re up here to show our absolute commitment to giving them the best equipment and support possible.”

“Coming back down to earth after that experience doesn’t mean lowering our sights,” assured Bartmann. “If anything, it reinforces our commitment to reaching whatever heights are necessary to protect South Africa.”