Noko Masalesa is an experienced safety and security professional with more than 20 years of expertise across the higher education, automotive, research and development, public service, and municipal sectors. As the Senior Director: Protection Services at the University of the Free State (UFS), he provides strategic leadership and direction to ensure the safety and security of the university community.

Prior to joining the UFS, Masalesa served as the risk control manager at BMW SA’s Rosslyn assembly plant in Pretoria. He has also held key positions at various organisations, including group security manager at the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa, regional manager for security and risk management at the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa, deputy manager at the Limpopo Department of Health, and acting superintendent at the Tshwane Metropolitan Department of Police.

Venetia Solomon is a skilled associate general accountant (AGA(SA)) with a foundation in financial management, auditing, and accounting. At Protection Services, she plays an important role in managing budgets, preparing financial statements, and maintaining internal controls to ensure financial compliance and accuracy.

Her expertise supports the department’s operations by delivering detailed financial reports and promoting collaboration across teams.

Cobus van Jaarsveld brings more than 30 years of experience in the law enforcement environment to his role at the UFS, which he joined at the beginning of 2019. With expertise in intelligence and threat analysis, he plays a key role in ensuring the safety and security of the UFS community.

Van Jaarsveld holds a master’s degree and is committed to continuous learning, staying updated on the latest developments in his field and security-related matters. His dedication to professional growth is matched by a passion for reading and research.

In 2022, Van Jaarsveld showcased his expertise by presenting a paper at the inaugural African Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (AATAP) conference in Johannesburg. His contributions highlight his commitment to advancing knowledge and best practices in security and threat management.

Elise Oberholzer’s central driving force is honesty, integrity, and care. These values find daily expression in her work as Senior Investigating Officer in the UFS Protection Services team. With a career that started with the South African Police Service (SAPS), her investigative experience spans almost four decades, of which 17 years with UFS Protection Services. Her key responsibilities currently include rendering investigation and victim support services. She conducts criminal investigations on the Bloemfontein and South campuses – including all UFS facilities used by staff and students – and where necessary, in collaboration with the SAPS. As a result of her vast experience and commitment, she has established an extensive network both internally and externally to the UFS, enabling efficient and effective criminal investigation and intelligence gathering. She also firmly believes in the power of crime prevention and has consequently established several initiatives that focus on capacity building around safety and awareness. She strives to continuously grow and expand her knowledge in her field of work to ensure that she provides the best service and support to the UFS community.

Elise holds a Diploma in Police Administration and has successfully completed specialised SAPS courses in Child Protection and Sexual Offences, a SWAT course (Special Weapons and Tactics), and a three-month Operational Management Programme (OMP) for Detective Officers. While at the UFS, she obtained an International Diploma in Certified Security Management Professional (CSMP) through the International Security Management Institute (ISMI) in the UK.

Tsamayang Martin Sethunsa is a law enforcement professional who began his journey at the police academy in 2005, where he successfully completed his training within ten months, laying the foundation for a career focused on upholding justice and protecting communities.

Sethunsa holds a Senior Certificate in Policing (NQF Level 5) and a Grade 12 qualification from Senzile Combined School. His expertise is reinforced by specialised training in crime investigation, interviewing techniques for complainants, victims of sexual assault, and suspects, all completed at the Phuthaditjhaba Training Institution. His skills extend to fire investigation, having completed the Fundamentals of Fire Investigation course through the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA), as well as safeguarding techniques through the Safeguarding Essentials Courses 1 and 2.

With a strong commitment to investigations and crime prevention, Sethunsa applies his knowledge and experience to ensure safety and security. His dedication to justice and ethical conduct drives his approach to law enforcement, making him a valuable asset in protecting the communities he serves.

Given Mabilo is the newest Senior Investigating Officer within Protection Services. He graduated with a National Diploma in Security Risk Management, BTech in Forensic Investigation, and Postgraduate Diploma in Security Management from the University of South Africa. He has more than twelve years’ experience in the field of security, six of which focusing on investigations. Mabilo is pursuing his career path in crime prevention and investigations to develop himself in critical challenge areas of responsibility, including leadership and management skills. He is responsible for investigations on the Bloemfontein and South campuses. He is an ethical person and effectively contributes to supporting the University of the Free State's vision. His main objective is to ensure the safety of students, employees, and information in order to secure the working environment, and to conduct crime and administration investigative projects. Rendering effective and efficient execution of strategic campus security policies to combat crime and investigation includes, but is not limited to, daily investigations of reported criminal cases and irregularities, excellent internal and external stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, detection, identification, information gathering, recommending mitigation measures, general case management, and office administration. Robusting the campus crime investigations with integrity, institutional values, and culture adds great value to the university community and the public.

Sibongile Madlala is an investigating officer with a focus on crime prevention, specialising in fraud, corruption, and sexual offences. Although her career path was not initially planned, she excelled in this role, driven by a passion for combatting crime and improving safety on the Qwaqwa Campus. Madlala works closely with various stakeholders, including the Sexual Offence Response Team, SAPS, and colleagues from the Department of Student Counselling and Development, to ensure a secure environment for the campus community.

Her responsibilities include conducting investigations, threat detection, and risk assessments. Madlala is also dedicated to raising awareness about mental well-being and the importance of addressing criminal behaviour, particularly sexual offences against women and children. Guided by her Christian values, she upholds strong ethics in her work, with a strong focus on honesty, empathy, and accountability. Her commitment to integrity and her father's teachings shapes her approach to serving the public and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all.

Tankiso Seboka brings more than 15 years of engineering experience to the role of Assistant Director: Technical Security at the UFS. Specialising in the management of technical security functions, operations, and project management, Seboka is adept at designing and implementing advanced systems to protect assets and information.

Currently pursuing a Master of Management in Digital Business at Wits Business School, Seboka is expanding his expertise in aligning security measures with technological advancements. This continuing education complements a career defined by innovation, strategic leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Seboka excels in leading complex projects, ensuring that they are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget. With a strong foundation in both technical acumen and management, he bridges the gap between technical requirements and organisational goals, driving success in every endeavour.

Passionate about staying ahead of industry trends, Seboka leverages digital transformation to develop secure and future-ready systems, contributing to a safer and more efficient environment at the UFS.

Kgauhelo Kgoerere is a skilled and certified Toshiba technician with expertise in handling a variety of technical equipment and systems. With experience working with diverse brands and technologies, Kgoerere specialises in the repair and maintenance of UPS devices, monitors of all sizes, PCs, and resolving software-related queries.

As an access control specialist, Kgoerere plays a role in ensuring the functionality of the university’s security systems. Known for being an effective communicator and client-focused professional, he is dedicated to providing technical support and solutions that meet the needs of the UFS community.