Page 11 - KZN Business Sense 11.1

JANUARY IS NOT UNLUCKY, IT’S

PREDICTABLE

Mike Myers, Security & increasingly at risk with remote
Emergency Services and hybrid work now common,
Advisor, CEO Mobi the line between home security
Ventures and business security has
W e’ve home can quickly become a
become blurred. A breach at
business problem.

entered 2026 Crime Follows Cycles
and I would
like to wish all The broader lesson is
readers a safe, straightforward. Crime follows
cycles, much like the economy.
successful and My personal payoff line when
prosperous
year ahead. referring to this is: ‘When
A new year brings optimism, security is treated as a reaction,
fresh goals and renewed energy. it feels expensive. When it is
It also brings something far less treated as a predictable risk, it
welcome, but entirely predictable, becomes manageable.’
a spike in serious crime. Preparedness is not about fear. It

January is not an unlucky is about leadership.
month. It’s forecastable. As we move into 2026,
After many years working gone and pressure is on. This return distracted, systems be out of routine and less alert. the challenge is to resist
in crime prevention and is when criminal operations are not always fully reset, and Simple discipline matters, vary complacency, understand the
emergency management, restart with a sense of urgency. predictability creeps back in. routines, test panic systems and patterns and act early. January
one pattern has remained The coffers need refilling, Criminals know this and they reinforcing calm, compliant does not have to be dangerous.
remarkably consistent. While and quickly. Historically, the rely on it. responses during an incident. It simply needs to be taken
December is often associated period from mid-January to Cash-related crime remains seriously.
with heightened crime, many mid-February sees a marked a key driver early in the year. Hijackings and vehicle theft Cheers for now. 
career and organised criminals increase in cash-in-transit Businesses moving money follow familiar patterns.
actually slow down over the heists, business robberies, home for payroll or operations Predictable routes, fixed
festive season. They also take invasions, hijackings, vehicle become attractive targets when departure times and distracted T: +27 (0)31 109 1888
time off, visit family, travel theft and housebreaking. This movements are predictable. drivers create opportunity. E: care@mobiventures.co.za
W: www.mobiventures.co.za
and enjoy the lavish lifestyle is not random opportunistic Reducing physical cash Awareness, route variation and
their criminal proceeds have crime. It is organised, planned exposure wherever possible and avoiding routine go a long way
provided for. Criminals like avoiding fixed routines makes a in reducing risk.
holidays too. and targeted. meaningful difference. Home invasions deserve special
One of the greatest risks mention. Homes are targeted
The Problem Begins When at this time of year is Business robberies also not only for valuables, but for
January Arrives complacency. December increase, particularly during access to devices, information
By mid-January, the festive often feels more relaxed as we opening and closing times. and systems. Business owners
spending is over, the money is drift into holiday mode. Staff Staff returning from leave may and executives are becoming

CHAMPION FOR OLDER PERSONS

t a time when the global House. From the start, she brought and received the “Excellence in ageing, amplifying the experiences persons, it ensures their dignity,
conversation on ageing a deep sense of empathy and Active Ageing” award from Global of older persons and advancing rights, and responsibilities are
Ais more urgent than ever, dedication to elder care. Brands Magazine, affirming the systemic change. championed at the highest levels.
social worker and chief executive Over the next 25 years, she organszation’s innovation and
Femada sees this role as a unique
This appointment carries
officer of Tafta, Femada Shamam steadily rose through the ranks, impact under Femada’s leadership. significance far beyond personal opportunity to inspire an age-
stands out as a leader whose becoming head of Tafta’s Social Globally, Femada has long recognition. For Tafta, it positions friendly world, demonstrating that
personal journey and decades Agency in 2003, chief operations been a prominent voice for
of impact have transformed officer in 2016, and chief executive older persons. Having served the organisation as a leader ageing can be a period of purpose,
thousands of lives. officer in 2017. as vice chair and now chair of influencing global policies and engagement, and meaningful
best practices for older persons.
contribution. 
In 2026, she takes a historic step Under her guidance, Tafta has CommonAge, she promotes age- For South Africa, it amplifies the
onto the world stage as Chair of flourished. The organisation friendly policies, advocates for the nation’s voice in international www.tafta.org.za
the Commonwealth Association continuously improves on ways rights and responsibilities of older ageing discourse. And for older
for Ageing (CommonAge), to serve over 1 800 older persons persons, and fosters international
building on her prior experience in-house annually, while reaching collaboration.
as vice chair and her longstanding tens of thousands more through She participates actively in
advocacy for older persons community engagement, upskilling the Global Ageing Network,
across the Commonwealth. This programmes, advocacy campaigns, the Pass It On Network,
appointment not only recognises and wellness initiatives. the Global Alliance for the Rights
her career but also elevates Tafta of Older People (GAROP) and
and South Africa’s influence in Organisation’s Achievements other international forums,
shaping policies and practices that Since 2019, three residences contributing to discussions at
affect older people internationally. have earned Eden Alternative the International Federation on
Femada’s career began in 1999 accreditation, reflecting Ageing (IFA) and Commonwealth
when she joined The Association environments that foster Heads of Government Meetings
for the Aged (Tafta) as a newly meaningful engagement, (CHOGM). Through these
qualified social worker and service autonomy, and quality of life. In platforms, she brings insights from
centre organiser at John Dunn 2025, Tafta was recognised as the Tafta’s innovative programmes
third top brand in KwaZuluNatal to influence global approaches to Femada Shamam

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