FAQs

  1. Why should I join EGSA, I am happy with my current security company?

    The ability to detect crime patterns is critical to fighting it pro-actively.  Currently you and your neighbours most likely have different security providers.  When an intruder breaks into your house and jumps over the wall to do the same thing next door, signals go out to different security companies that do not share this information.  The same principle applies to crime incidents on a wider scale across Greenside and Emmarentia.  Such an approach will always only be reactive.  With one security provider for all residents, crime patterns can be effectively monitored and resources applied where criminals are operating.  When these patterns shift the resources can be re-organised to respond to such changes.  More effective collaboration with the police will also be possible.  With your current security company you will only ever get a reactive service.  With the EGSA we will progressively get a far superior service as more people join (See 3 below).  This service will be proactive in addressing our security concerns as a community.  Banding together as a community has also given us stronger purchasing power and the ability to negotiate a deal that is favourable to us and tailor-made to our needs.  

    The EGSA has negotiated a detailed and comprehensive contract with Fidelity that will result in a far superior service for us collectively than we currently get individually. The directors of the EGSA have tried to address every concern that you may have as a resident.  EGSA is convinced of Fidelity's competence and bona fides as our service provider.  Ultimately joining the EGSA is an act of faith in our community, in our ability to take control of our own destiny and not be helpless victims.

  2. What are service levels at inception?

    The EGSA baseline service is an armed response service level superior to that offered by most companies operating in Greenside and Emmarentia.  Two vehicles will be permanently (24/7) deployed for the initial 150 subscribers. i.e. 75 subscribers per vehicle. The best ratio offered by any of the major three firms in our suburbs is 100 subscribers per vehicle.  Fidelity can also assess your home or business for security risk and suggest how it should be secured.  Fidelity offers competitive prices for alarm installations, if necessary.

  3. What does it cost?

    The basic cost is R380/month (2007/2008).  The usual annual transmitter licence fee of R142.50, which is levied by all security companies, falls due every January.   Examples of additional services are listed below. (see Tariffs and Charges sheet attached to subscribers agreement.)

     -    Electric fence monitoring: R100 per month

     -    Additional transmitters: R100 per month

  4. What are service levels going forward?

    This is the crux of the move to pro-active security.  As more residents join the cost will remain the same but the level of service will increase progressively as economies of scale kick in to pay for additional armed response vehicles and importantly, the proactive radio-linked foot and bicycle patrols and day/night cameras.  Some idea of the levels at which this will happen is set out below:

    • 150 households - 2 dedicated armed response vehicles. This baseline is superior to all current operators.
    • 516 households - 3 dedicated armed response vehicles + additional supervisor
    • 566 households - 3 dedicated AR vehicles + additional supervisor + 1 bicycle patrol
    • 1066 households - 4 dedicated AR vehicles + add. Supervisor + 6 Bike patrols
    • 1466 households - as above + 20 cameras + 2 operators
    • 2116 households - as above + 40 cameras + 2 operators + 1 foot patrol
    • 2516 households - 4 dedicated AR vehicles + Additional supervisor + 6 Bicycle patrols + 4 foot patrols +  40 cameras + 2 operators..

  5. How and why did EGSA choose Fidelity?

    Once this security plan model had been decided on, all the established security companies that currently operate in Greenside and Emmarentia e.g. SAS, ADT, Chubb, Top Security were asked to submit tenders to the EGSA for the job.  Some did not respond.  Those that did could not provide the community-orientated approach that we were looking for, and the process was closed. The EGSA then reopened the process and invited, via the industry regulatory body, any interested party to tender. iMvula Quality Protection Services were selected and marketing of the initiative began.

    Towards the end of 2007 the area was hit by escalating crime, and it became apparent to the EGSA committee that proactive patrolling to improve security in the area was urgently required. Under the original plan EGSA needed 300 households before this could happen but only about 130 households had already signed on. EGSA approached iMvula and requested that they assist by getting patrol vehicles on our roads. iMvula were unable to do this.

    The EGSA committee then reopened discussion with other companies with experience in the field and has received the necessary support from Fidelity Security Services, another leader in the market. Fidelity was not only willing to fit in with the existing EGSA contractual requirements and costings, but was furthermore willing to start patrolling and armed response services immediately, as per the requests of our residents.

  6. Who are Fidelity Security Services?

    Fidelity Security Services is the largest security company in South Africa, and have technical, training and development facilities. They are fully accredited and offer a wide range of security services, from armed response to guarding and remote monitoring. The company is currently partnering with Lonehill in a similar community security initiative to great effect. Please visit their website www.fidelity.co.za/services.html to learn more.

  7. How does EGSA penalise poor performance by Fidelity?

    The EGSA has negotiated a list of performance failures which incur penalty points in areas ranging from improperly equipped Fidelity officers to actual crime events. (This list will be adjusted as required. The current version will be distributed on EGSA implementation).40 points equals 1% of the monthly fee. In this way, a maximum of 20% of the fee due to Fidelity can be held back per month.  Compare this to your current situation with your current security company.  Ultimately if the EGSA board (which is comprised of residents) is dissatisfied with the service supplied by Fidelity the whole contract can be cancelled, and the EGSA will be able to approach other security companies from a position of strength, as it represents so many residents.  This will be without changing the contract between you and EGSA.

  8. Who actually does the work?

    The EGSA will on our behalf contract with Fidelity. Initially - until EGSA has enough subscribers (about 300) - Fidelity will collect the monies and administer the initiative. Once this first subscriber target is met Fidelity will hand the admin and collection functions over to EGSA (this is exactly how Lonehill RA and Fidelity handled the growth of that initative)

    Fidelity will provide all security services and employ all security officers. EGSA will monitor their performance and pay Fidelity every month.  The EGSA will outsource its administration to a reputable company and employ a full-time manager to oversee Fidelity on our behalf.  These costs are included in the R380/month.

  9. When I join, how will the transition to EGSA occur?

    Once you have satisfied yourself about the merits of the initiative, and have signed a contract, a Fidelity representative will be in touch with you to replace the radio transmitter in your alarm system with a Fidelity transmitter. This is at no cost to you and will mean that EGSA vehicles will respond to any future alarm activations. (NB. The old radio transmitter belongs to your previous service provider. Please keep it until they collect it)

    EGSA/Fidelity signs will be placed on your fence, the Fidelity service to your house will start and the debit order to the EGSA on you account will begin to operate.  There will be no break in the armed response service that you currently enjoy.  As more residents join the EGSA security services will increase progressively as set out in 3 above.

  10. Will I be without security during the changeover?

    No.  Most companies require one full month's notice. Speak to the salesperson to ensure that your payment to EGSA only begins after the debit order to your previous provider ceases. This is exactly the same process as if you changed from any security provider to any other new provider.

  11. Will I be charged twice?

    No. EGSA will only implement the new debit order and cancel the old one when the iMvula service commences.. Please note this may not apply if you have opted to cancel your current debit order yourself.

  12. I’m currently mid contract with my current company, can I get out?

    This is not easy to answer as it depends upon your actual contract wording and the type of company with whom you are currently contracted. It is likely that those residents who are part way through a multi year contract will have to see out this obligation.  

  13. Who do I contract with?

    Your contract will be with the Emmarentia Greenside Security Association (EGSA). This contract is based on those offered by the major three companies currently operating in our area, but which has been rewritten in favour of the residents. The EGSA is a registered Section 21 (Non-profit) Company with directors drawn from residents in both suburbs. This will be our organization.  The EGSA will in turn contract with the service provider.

  14. What happens if I am unhappy with the service and want to go back to an individual approach?

    EGSA will attempt to address your complaint, using its substantial negotiating position with Fidelity.  If you are still not happy with the service you receive, the contract will be cancelled. Currently the chosen service provider is Fidelity.  However, if the service provider does not perform, the EGSA will be able to terminate this contract and seek a new service provider on our behalf.  Since we all belong to the EGSA it will only require changing one contract.  The EGSA is a community organization with a very specific geographical focus, and will consequently be far more responsive to our complaints or suggestions about service, than is currently the case with all the different companies we are currently signed up with.

  15. What happens if I move out of the suburb?

    There is a clause in your contract that allows you to cancel it under such conditions.

  16. Do I need a new alarm system?

    No.  Moving to the EGSA is as simple as signing on with any new security company. As long as your system is operational, all that needs to be changed is the radio transmitter that communicates with Fidelity, and this is done at no cost to you.

  17. How do I join?

    The contract can be downloaded at Join Us on this site.  Call Fidelity at (072) 771 1875 or Anne Askew (082 604 5806) for assistance in completing it or to arrange collection, or email info@egsa.org.za.