Page 14 - Cornwall 1 2021

ESTATE DIRECTORS

GERT

PRETORIUS

was born in Pretoria and we moved to Cornwall Hill understanding security issues globally and more specifically
I approximately seven years ago for the obvious reasons within the Sub-Saharan region. I have a specific interest in
i.e. the physical security, the close proximity of the estate the crime/terror continuum and the connection between
to Cornwall Hill College and the perceived security of the organised crime and terror organisations. I have further taken
investment made in our property here. assignments in maritime and aviation security and am a
strong believer in community participation when securing any
Generally, a wide range of subjects are of interest to me, in environment.
particular those relating to academics. As a result, I hold
advanced degrees in civil engineering and international I have been overseeing the security portfolio at Cornwall Hill
security. My present research interests are within the since February 2020 “overseeing” the successful and cost-
sphere of international business as well as the geotechnical effective implementation and provision of physical security
engineering space. I have worked on acclaimed international to the estate as a whole. Although security is not part of my
projects within the structural, geotechnical and dam physical responsibilities - the functional role remains with
engineering fields, while water engineering generally the estate manager - I do have the opportunity to make
resonates with me as well. I started a consulting civil suggestions and to a certain degree, influence the direction
engineering firm in 2005 which is still the main focus of that is taken.
my daily activities and energy. At the firm, we tackle and
complete assignments from government departments, private The envisaged goals set for this financial year are given below:
developers and mining companies. i. Improve our general community participation in security
awareness.
In the safety and security field, I have worked within the ii. Introduce additional training for our guards.
contained interface between security and project execution iii. Further improve the security guards’ team spirit.
and have planned and executed a number of expeditionary iv. Revise the present camera project proposal, obtain
projects and mining start-up projects internationally. approval and implement the installation of cameras along the
Consequently, much of my time here is spent on perimeter of the estate.
12 Cornwall View • Issue 1 2021