Media at the Absa Cape Epic are in safe hands

Fowzia Gideon of Dynamic Security (54), a special events security officer for the Absa Cape Epic, is back by popular demand for this year’s race. Although she was supposed to work at another event her supervisor told her to pack her bags and get ready for another Epic journey after the media staff insisted on having her back due to her friendly and helpful presence.

Gideon has 15 years of security experience under her belt. Her original plan was to retire after turning fifty, but she admits that she loves the job too much. After two years spent at home looking after her granddaughter, she decided to return to the security business.
 
“The Absa Cape Epic is an event that I love to work at. This is my third Epic and it only gets better. The media and the organisers are so friendly, it makes every minute of my job enjoyable. The people that go out of their way to watch the race and the way the event brings people together year after year is a highlight for me,” says Gideon.

“I also admire the people that compete in this race. Sport is such a positive activity to keep young people away from drugs and out of trouble. An event like this brings all kinds of people from different countries together.”

The security team for the Absa Cape Epic consists of 50 members, all assigned to different contact points. As you enter the media centre you will be greeted by the always smiling Gideon. Her job entails protecting the media and their belongings, but she goes the extra mile by always being respectful, friendly and helpful to all that come her way. Her shift is eight to twelve hours a day, after which she retires to her quarters in the media tent village. The staff of Dynamic Security is transported by a taxi service to the various venues the race takes them to.

When she returns home Gideon is a protector of a completely different kind. She looks after and cares for her family, including her husband, five children and six grandchildren. “Although my kids are no longer living with us, they still need their mother from time to time.”

Part of the reason Gideon enjoys the Absa Cape Epic so much is rooted in her childhood. “My brother and I would take our bikes and drive up Lions Head when we were kids. We often fell and even got hurt at times, but carried on because we loved it so much. So I understand the passion that the Absa Cape Epic participants share.”