Sid Brettell

Keeping the City Safe Sid Brettell

South Africa in the 1980s was at the crossroads. Black citizens were discriminated against by racially biased laws and excluded from representation in government. Liberation movements wished to bring the government to its knees with civil disobedience and sabotage of vital City installations providing electricity, water and infrastructure, often causing civilian casualties.

The author was originally a Security Manager, rising to Deputy Chief of Security in the Durban City Council, tasked with keeping the City's buildings and facilities, staff and public safe, ensuring continuity of essential services, protecting vital installations, preventing and investigating corruption.

Whilst responsible for keeping the City safe, efforts were undermined by a web of corruption at the highest level that had to be exposed. This book is a valuable insight into the history of a unique period in South African history, with the approaching endgame of the struggle for liberation and the efforts of the City to ensure continuity of essential services to business, industry and homes and saving lives.