Sandton CID’s formal partnership with 24/7 Security Services bodes well for Gauteng’s key commercial hub

We are thrilled to partner with 24/7 Security, a world-class company who will enhance our security and add value to the services which we deliver to all stakeholders within the Sandton area, says Elaine Jack, City Improvement District (CID) Manager for the Sandton Central Management District (SCMD).

Safety is a priority for the CID, and it has worked extensively with Servest Security since the CID was formed 26 years ago. The addition of 24/7 Security to the Precinct team will enhance Sandton CID’s ability to secure the Sandton CBD’s future.

Jack explains that the CID was created because businesses and residents foresaw that Sandton would develop into the commercial centre of Johannesburg. The area contained high-value commercial and residential real estate which needed to be protected and sustained. These assets also needed to be secured.

“We worked with Servest from the beginning and continue to cultivate a trusted and long-standing relationship. We create new partnerships as our work becomes more demanding amid an operations area which is densifying and whose infrastructure faces more strain,” says Jack.

The CID operates primarily on private funds rather than direct municipal taxes. Its operating costs are covered by mandatory supplementary precinct levies which are paid directly by commercial and private property owners within the precinct.

Over the years, the CID’s work has required more staff, better strategy and more advanced technology so that it can serve growing numbers of people who commute through Sandton. Security remains paramount to the CID’s work.

24/7 Security will enhance the way we secure Sandton in numerous ways. We are currently piloting drone solutions with them,” Jack says.

The drone solutions can alert the CID to incidents more quickly than vehicles and can be deployed rapidly to areas that are difficult or impossible for patrol vehicles to access.

It supports disaster and event management by providing aerial surveillance, assisting with traffic monitoring, and conducting infrastructure inspections.

“We are testing this new technology throughout July and August. Drone First Response with enhanced situational awareness, allows us to zoom in on areas of interest and monitor any activity that requires prompt attention,” says Jack.

She explains that 24/7 Security was appointed following a comprehensive tender process. The new contract is for 36 months, with an option to renew thereafter. The pricing is competitive, and the drone solution complies with all applicable South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations and certification requirements.

“We are excited about building what can become a long-term relationship. We will work with 24/7 Services and other partners to maintain a safe precinct,” she says.

These partners include Servest, Vumacam and others. The CID is assisted by JMPD and SAPS.

Neville Rothfusz, Chief Operating Officer at 24/7 Security Services says the group’s agreement with the CID is among the company’s most important in its history.

“A CID is far more than an additional layer of security. It is a partnership between property owners, businesses, local government, and service providers, all working towards a common goal: creating cleaner, safer and better-managed urban spaces where businesses can thrive, and communities can feel proud of where they work and live,” he says.

The CID continues to grow with new members wanting to join the precinct as they see benefits like top-up security and assistance provisions being provided in the public space.

“The cranes are back. We work every day so that Sandton can remain a preferred business and hospitality destination. Residential activity has also returned to Sandton, and more buildings are seeing their uses change. We welcome the new residential developments such as The Olympus by Tricolt and Africrest Properties’ numerous projects,” says Jack.

The former FNB Conference Centre was purchased by the Advtech group and converted into an education campus operated by its new brand, Emeris. The campus welcomed its first intake of students in January 2026.

“We have been blessed with numerous welcome additions. Sandton is becoming a 15-minute neighbourhood which is supported by varied private and public entities. Thanks to 24/7 Security, Servest Security and Vumacam, Sandton is sure to thrive for years to come,” Jack says.