Vernon van der Westhuizen, Managing Director at Bloemsec, entered the security industry eight years ago through a business relationship with the Thomas family, who later offered him shares in the company. \u201cWe met through other business dealings and developed a relationship over time. After a few meetings, they offered me shares. I took up the offer and haven\u2019t looked back since,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Van der Westhuizen says the motivation behind his work comes from protecting people, not just property. \u201cMost people think we\u2019re here to protect their belongings, but the real value lies in keeping families safe,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s the core of our job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having worked in Bloemfontein\u2019s business environment for over a decade, he says the most important lesson he has learned is the value of strong local networks. \u201cIf you can build a close-knit network and invest in those relationships, you\u2019re already a long way toward succeeding in business,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
When asked about how he defines success, Van der Westhuizen draws a line between personal and professional goals. \u201cOn a personal level, success means that my wife and children will one day be able to continue the business and say I gave it everything. Professionally, success is when the business supports your life \u2013 not the other way around. That only happens if you have the right people in the right positions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Van der Westhuizen describes his professional path as shaped more by determination than by external support. \u201cI didn\u2019t come from a family with financial backing or inherited wealth,\u201d he said. \u201cHard work was the key to progressing in business.\u201d<\/p>\n
A typical day for him begins at 05:00, preparing lunchboxes and doing the school drop-off before heading to the office. \u201cIn our industry, you manage each day as it comes. Issues emerge that require your attention, and the day usually dictates where your focus goes,\u201d he explained. Afternoons are spent at the hockey field with his children, and evenings are kept for family time.<\/p>\n
His advice to those looking to enter the security sector is direct: \u201cStart at the bottom. This industry demands attention to detail. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You need to be prepared for that level of commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Balancing business and personal life, he credits his wife of 21 years as a key support figure. \u201cShe takes care of family responsibilities when work requires my attention. We also have excellent staff, which makes it easier to manage both sides.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community engagement is also a practical component of Bloemsec\u2019s operations. \u201cWe work with neighbourhood associations, community groups, and watch programmes. The community serves as our eyes and ears on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
Van der Westhuizen originally aspired to be a professional golfer. \u201cThat was the childhood dream,\u201d he said. \u201cToday, I\u2019m a business owner and a father.\u201d He also has a few personal hobbies people may not expect: He\u2019s an avid padel player, collects Lego, and enjoys food culture.<\/p>\n
Get in touch: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 051-430-2010<\/p>\n Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN \/ Photograph: SUPPLIED<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From early mornings with his kids to managing daily security operations, Vernon van der Westhuizen balances family life with the demands of a 24\/7 industry. With a strong belief in community partnerships and attention to detail, he\u2019s built a career grounded in commitment and consistency. Vernon van der Westhuizen, Managing Director at Bloemsec, entered the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":18986,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,31],"tags":[7719,7717,7716,7715,7718],"class_list":{"0":"post-18985","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-sponsored","9":"tag-bloemsec","10":"tag-bloemsec-director","11":"tag-gentlemen-of-business","12":"tag-gentlemen-of-business-bloemsec-director-vernon-van-der-westhuizen","13":"tag-vernon-van-der-westhuizen"},"yoast_head":"\n