Nivashni Nair|Published
KZN VIP Protection Services has distanced itself from former founder Glen Naidoo after his Facebook posts ahead of a March and March meeting in Phoenix triggered backlash and alleged threats against company staff.
The post which warned Phoenix residents to protect themselves ahead of the March and March meeting, triggered a social media storm, including threats of damaging company property and injuring members of KZN VIP Protection Services.
Glen Naidoo, the founder of the private security company and a well-known community crime activist in Phoenix, posted the warning ahead of the movement’s visit to the area on Saturday.
“Dear People of Phoenix, my promise to you, since my departure from KZN VIP Security, I will keep to my promise. But we as residents must stand up and be counted. All those that want to join me come to Eastbury Grounds, Unit 7, Eastbury," Naidoo posted.
In another post he said: “This is my warning to our "visitors": don't try and destroy Phoenix, you will regret your actions. To the Government, the Police and all those responsible for the safety of Phoenix you have been forewarned. I am begging you to please interact with the community."
The post drew the attention of March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who retaliated with her own post on Monday, calling out Naidoo and KZN VIP.
“KZN VIP Protection Services is against the people of South Africa and we don’t need them on our side… Going around threatening people because they are March and March? What interests are you protecting exactly?? Glen Naidoo,” she posted.
The post led to hundreds of comments against Naidoo and the security company.
A day earlier, KZN VIP issued a statement distancing itself from Naidoo, saying his personal views did not represent the company.
Naidoo told the POST his original post was motivated by concerns about violence at anti-illegal immigration protests.
“I was concerned because, as much as I support March and March, I had seen over the last couple of weeks that many of the anti-illegal immigrant protests had turned violent,” he said.
He confirmed that KZN VIP was justified in distancing itself from him.
“It is correct that they did that, because it is true. I have nothing to do with VIP Security,” he said.
Asked about online allegations that he was racist, Naidoo said he was deeply hurt by the accusations.
“I am deeply hurt that such a statement has been made. It’s defamatory. The people making the allegation must prove that I’m racist.”
He reiterated his support for March and March.
“I do support the cause because they are doing the job of a failed government but I do not support violence.”
March and March spokesperson Sandile Dube said the movement remained aligned with the position of its leader.
“As the spokesperson of March and March, my comments cannot differ from those of the organisation’s leader. She has assessed the situation and understands the circumstances. Therefore, we support her position on Glen Naidoo,” he said.
Naidoo’s sons - Gareth, Jordache and Romano - are currently the directors of KZN VIP.
Gareth said Naidoo stepped down from KZN VIP following a decision by the board of directors just after 2021.
“Since then, the company’s directorship and leadership structure have changed, with a new generation of directors bringing experience and expertise to the organisation.
“The statement was issued to reiterate this change and clarify that Mr Naidoo’s personal opinions do not represent KZN VIP. The company follows strict approval protocols before issuing any public statement or social media post. KZN VIP has no political affiliations or political interests. Our focus remains the provision of professional security and emergency services,” said Gareth.
He said KZN VIP had repeatedly been drawn into conversations surrounding the post, despite the company having expressed no views or comments on the matter.
“Members of the public have associated Mr Naidoo's personal opinions with the organisation. This has created reputational challenges and placed unnecessary pressure on our staff, who continue to carry out their duties professionally.”
Gareth said following Ngobese-Zuma’s post, the company experienced “hostile commentary, including comments we regard as hate speech, as well as threats to damage company property and injure members of the organisation”.
“We acknowledge Mr Glen Naidoo’s role as the founder of KZN VIP. However, his personal opinions should not be treated as the position of the company or its current leadership,” added Gareth.
Meanwhile sundaytribune.co.za reported that Ngobese-Zuma said that death threats allegedly linked to Naidoo kept her away from the meeting in Phoenix on Saturday.
Ngobese-Zuma said the alleged online death threats forced her to change her mind and withdraw from the meeting at the last minute, because she feared for her life.