Steve prides himself as a southerner

Steve Dwarika is the owner of Guardian Angel Security (GAS).

You cannot miss him. Whenever something is happening in the south, be it good or bad, he is always present.

The Southern Courier spoke to some people who interacted with Dwarika and this is what they said:

Derek de Jong from MPR Hiring in Booysens Reserve said he is an incredible man and always available.

“His wife and his team are always there for people. Before Steve came to Booysens Reserve, crime was high. However, he has done a tremendous job to lessen it.

“He is passionate about what he does and has shown it in these past three years we have been working with him. We wish him success and he must continue to do great,” he said.

Eileen Pauw has lived in the south for 84 years and speaks highly of Dwarika.

“He is a wonderful man who always helps people. He goes out of his way to do that, even during the Covid-19 era. When someone is ill, he is there, and he fights crime without any fear or favour. He is not involved in politics.

“Although he was shot, he still does his job diligently. I remember when I fell, the first person I called was him and he was there before the ambulance. He is also a wonderful family man; his daughter is a graduate and his son got recognition in Dubai.

“The south has gone to the dogs, and we did not have someone to look up to. Steve is one of those people we can look up to. To me, he is similar to former councillor Dr Fischer, who was always fighting for people. Although Steve runs a security business, he helps everyone; even if you are not his client, he never turns anyone away. With his family values, he teaches people to love and care.

“I would also like to thank him for organising people to clean the streets of the south. You don’t find this anywhere. He is involved with his community. Also, his wife, Julie, is helpful. That is why people look up to them and respect them,” explained Pauw.

Robyn Fischer from Linhill said she worked personally with Steve on some sensitive cases where he assisted her. She said he also helps at their soccer club, which is also an NPO.

“I am on a few of his WhatsApp groups and daily we see the good service and assistance his company gives to the community. He is not only helping people who pay a monthly fee, but he helps others too.

“He often apprehends lots of criminals and disturbs break-ins. They do vehicle recoveries and assist Moffat View and Booysens Police Stations. We have many community members who praise him daily in our groups. I find them often at the scene before SAPS, so I feel safe knowing they are around.

“He has often helped at Linhill FC when they have functions or soccer tournaments. He places one of his vehicles on the property because, in the past, we had unfortunate cases of vehicles being stolen.

“Most recently, he found my mother-in-law’s vehicle stolen. The vehicle was burnt and found in Soweto. Quite frankly, there are just too many good things to say about them. I do, however, feel they deserve way more recognition than they get.

“The south is a drug haven and not the safest place to stay. Lots of bad incidents occur and he is always around. As residents, we feel he is a good role model not only being a family man but also a man who is honest and respected,” she said.

Dwarika as a community man

Besides being in the security business, Dwarika is a community man through and through. He is involved in many projects in the south, helping the less fortunate.

Apart from keeping the south safe, he is a member of the Southern Business Community Forum. They help a lot of people in the south and provide sandwiches to learners. He has been described by southerners as the man that will help in any way; be it a resident who is struggling with water or electricity, or somebody in need of a tyre change.

Dwarika said his company, GAS, is based on family values.

“Even if you are not my client, I will always help. I built personal relationships with everyone whom I encountered.

“I am passionate about my community. Also, my previous experience in security and CPF helped me in associating myself with the community of the south,” he said.