Two former Springbok legends, Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, and John Smit, former Springbok captain and CEO of SSG Holdings, were hoisted into the air for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, risk, and the future of South Africa’s emergency services.
Fidelity SecureFire officially launched South Africa’s longest private fire service hydraulic platform truck, marking the debut with a record-breaking boardroom meeting 32 metres above rush-hour N1 traffic.
The stunt highlighted the scale of Fidelity SecureFire’s frontline capabilities and the strength of the new partnership between Fidelity and SSG, which is reshaping the risk solution industry.
“From up here, you see everything differently, the risks, the possibilities, and the responsibility,” said Bartmann during the aerial interview. “This is more than an investment in equipment; it’s a declaration that we will rise to protect South Africans when it matters most.”
The aerial stunt also honoured the daily courage of first responders who regularly work at great heights to save lives.
“There are heroes who climb to these heights every day to save lives,” Smit said. “We’re up here to show our absolute commitment to giving them the best equipment and support possible.”
The event comes just weeks after Fidelity Services Group acquired a majority shareholding in SSG Holdings, uniting two rugby legends in a strategic partnership that is transforming South Africa’s integrated security and emergency services landscape.
Smit added, “As a Springbok, I learned what it means to stand tall under pressure. That’s exactly the mindset needed in emergency services. Today, 32 metres in the sky, I see the scale of responsibility we have to the thousands of people below — in their cars, homes, and businesses. This partnership is about building a new standard of courage and protection for our country.”
The 32-metre hydraulic platform ladder can reach the 10th floor of most buildings. With its 400kg-capacity rescue basket and advanced reach, it brings global standards of readiness into the private sector, extending the ability to respond to high-rise and complex urban fires.
“By bringing Fidelity and SSG together, we’ve created South Africa’s most advanced private protection capability,” said Bartmann. “It’s about much more than business; it’s about national readiness.”
“Coming back down to earth after that experience doesn’t mean lowering our sights,” Bartmann concluded. “If anything, it reinforces our commitment to reaching whatever heights are necessary to protect South Africa.”
Smit closed: “What happened today was symbolic. We’re not just talking about leadership; we’re showing South Africa what it looks like to rise beyond limits.”
The launch followed the Flame of Leadership Awards, which recognised individuals whose dedication and courage continue to inspire and safeguard communities across South Africa.
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