South Africa is a land of rich history, vast landscapes, and a complex socio-political environment. For those tasked with the responsibility of keeping others safe, it becomes an arena where alertness and quick thinking are paramount. Dennis Dolan, a seasoned bodyguard and personal security detail specialist with over two decades of experience in South Africa and internationally, offers a glimpse into his world of high stakes and intense vigilance over a cup of our Daily Java.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, Dennis. Let’s start with some background. What drew you to the profession of being a bodyguard?
Dolan: Thank you for having me. To be honest, it was a mix of circumstances and a calling. I always had a natural instinct to protect, be it my siblings or friends. Over time I gravitated from a Private Military Support role in West Africa, with some formal training, to a more specialised protection role when the war in Iraq started, I realized I could use this instinct to make a difference in people’s lives.
South Africa is a vast and diverse nation. Does the geography or cultural diversity present any unique challenges in your line of work?
Dolan: Absolutely. The vastness means that we often travel long distances, and the terrain can be unpredictable, providing numerous opportunities for attackers to ambush you when moving a principle (client) by land. Additionally, the cultural diversity, while being the country’s strength, also means we need to be culturally sensitive and aware of local customs and traditions. To mitigate this, we always try to have one person on the team who is from the area or region we will be operating in. The political environment is another beast and is highly volatile with threats, assassinations and assassination attempts the main risk factors, the risk factors rise significantly over election periods whether it is national, provincial or local elections. The risk to family also rises over these periods with attackers not worrying about collateral damage when attacking the principle.
What would you say is the most challenging part of being a bodyguard in South Africa?
Dolan: The unpredictability and violence. We do risk assessments on our clients and their families doing our best to mitigate threats and act proactively, the volatile nature of certain regions, combined with the vast disparities in wealth and the socio-political climate, makes every assignment a new challenge. When planning we always keep in mind the 5 Ps, prior preparation prevents poor performance.
Has there been incidents or experiences that stand out as the most memorable in your career?
Dolan: There have been many in the 29 years I have been involved in the industry, especially when being deployed to places like Iraq, Sri Lanka and West Africa. When I was on the Flying Man entry control point from Route Irish into Baghdad International Airport, US President George Bush named it as the most dangerous place on earth. One that stands out was when I was tasked with protecting a journalist in a particularly volatile region in South Africa. The situation escalated quickly when the journalist wanted to take photos of the grieving family of a murdered family member, a child , but thanks to our team’s preparedness, we managed to safely evacuate without any harm. It was a testament to the importance of teamwork and planning.
Many might wonder about the emotional toll this job takes. How do you handle the stress and potential dangers you face daily?
Dolan: It’s not easy, and I won’t lie and say I’m unaffected. But having a solid support system, including my fellow bodyguards and my family, helps. Regular retraining, physical, tactical and mental conditioning play a big role too.
South Africa has seen its share of high-profile events, from political rallies to international sporting events. How does the preparation for such events differ from personal protection details?
Dolan: Large events are a different beast altogether. The scope of protection widens, and we’re not just looking at individual threats but also crowd dynamics, potential stampedes, and terrorist threats. It requires a broader strategy, more manpower, and often collaboration with other government security agencies. Strong communication skills, patients and no ego are needed at these types of events, to coordinate effectively with other security personnel and law enforcement agencies when necessary.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join the profession?
Dolan: First and foremost, have a genuine passion for protection. This job requires dedication, sacrifice, long hours and sometimes, placing your life on the line. But with the right training, attitude, and a strong moral compass, it can be one of the most rewarding professions there are. Also do as many medical training courses as you can, there is more chance of your principle being injured, falling ill or you having to medically assist their family member or a team member of yours then actually having an attack on your principle. The medical qualification will also assist with securing assignments when you first start out in the industry. Do your due diligence when applying for a position on a team, but accept that you need to gain experience and to do this you will have to accept junior positions on teams or even static positions protecting the outer perimeter of your principle’s location.
There are 4 different types of protection officers:
The Survivors- they do the minimum to get by, normally just doing enough to get by, they are a threat to the principle and the team.
The Contenders – they motivated by meeting and mixing with celebrities – play time, money, fame or the person he goes against are all they are interested in – he will only reach his potential if he changers his mindset as he gains experience.
The Competitors – is the type of team member we seek – he is self-motivated regardless of the situation – he is always looking for ways to improve his ability.
The Commander (Team Leader) – is a competitor that takes the team with him – always seeking to impart knowledge on the junior member – not only does he have the most responsibility on the team but he is also the mentor.
Lastly, in the years you’ve worked, how has the security landscape changed in South Africa, and where do you see it going?
Dolan: Technology has played a big role in modernizing our operations – from surveillance tools to communication devices it has allowed us to be more proactive in our approach to protecting our principle. However, the core principles remain: prior preparation, vigilance, and adaptability. As for the future, I believe as long as there are threats, there will be a need for physical intervention and individuals committed to mitigating them.
As we concluded our conversation, Dennis, in a profession where alertness and quick reflexes are paramount, how does coffee play a role in assisting you during your duties as a bodyguard?”
Dolan: “For me, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a tool that boosts my mental alertness and keeps me sharp, especially during long assignments or when the night stretches into the early morning hours. In a profession where every second counts and vigilance can never be compromised, the stimulating effects of coffee help me maintain focus, react quickly to potential threats, and ensure the safety of my clients. It’s that slight edge that can make all the difference.”
