ABOUT US
Discover more about our values, expertise and history & meet our leaders.
OUR HISTORY
For over three decades, Afrisist, known as Run Recovery at the time, has been at the forefront of stolen vehicle recovery and security solutions in South Africa. Our journey began in the 1990s, when our founders recognized the urgent need for effective vehicle tracking and recovery services amidst rising crime rates.
In 2018, PFK Electronics strategy shifted, and our founders saw an opportunity to restructure and refocus our business, buying back PFK Recovery Services and rebranding the company as Afrisist. Since then, Afrisist has continued to innovate, driven by our commitment to customer service and exceptional security solutions. In 2024, we partnered with Westminster Security, a UK-based private security company, expanding our international reach and capabilities.
We quickly established ourselves as leaders in the industry, providing solutions for the protection and recovery of stolen vehicles and valuable assets. As the needs of our clients evolved we adapted, expanding our services to include comprehensive risk management solutions. In 2012, we partnered with PFK Electronics, a manufacturer of automotive security products. This partnership enabled us to expand our services, customer base and launch an innovative alarm monitoring platform.
With a state-of-the-art Control Room in Cape Town, over 200 nationwide response teams, and a diverse client base across multiple industries and continents, Afrisist is poised for continued growth and success. Building on our rich history, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional security solutions, driven by our mission to protect what matters most.
OUR TEAM
This is the Afrisist team. We’re a crew of passionate, like minded individuals who are obsessed with keeping you and your clients safe. With diverse expertise and a collaborative spirit, we work tirelessly to protect what matters most to our clients.
The Afrisist story begins in 1998 with the founding of ITA Group in Cape Town. The company’s early success was driven by its pioneering approach to the vehicle tracking industry, which was experiencing rapid growth in response to rising crime rates.
In 2003, ITA Group changed ownership and continued to grow under its new leadership and investment partners. Meanwhile, in 2004, Martin van Rooyen, son of the founder of ITA Group, launched RUN Recovery and Monitoring, a new venture that would go on to become a competitor for ITA Group in the tracking and recovering of stolen vehicles.
As the needs of the vehicle tracking and short-term insurance industry evolved, RUN Recovery and Monitoring adapted, expanding its services from stolen vehicle recovery to a more comprehensive risk management solution.
In 2012, PFK Electronics, a manufacturer of automotive security products, acquired a majority stake in RUN Recovery and Monitoring, rebranding the company as PFK Recovery Services. This partnership brought new growth opportunities, enabling the company to expand its services and customer base. Specifically, PFK Electronics’ expertise allowed Afrisist to launch an alarm monitoring platform, setting it apart in the industry.
In 2018, PFK Electronics’ strategy shifted, and Martin seized the chance to reclaim the company’s independence, buying back PFK Recovery Services and rebirthing it as Afrisist. This marked a significant milestone in the company’s history, as Martin reasserted his vision and values.
Since then, Afrisist has continued to grow and evolve, driven by its commitment to innovation and customer service. In 2024, the company partnered with Westminster Security, a London-based private security company with a global footprint. This partnership expanded Afrisist’s international offering, enhancing its service capabilities and reach.
In 2025, Afrisist merged with ITA Group, under the leadership and ownership of Martin and Westminster Security. This partnership reunified two companies with a shared history and values, creating a leading player in the industry.
Today, Afrisist boasts a team of over 60 control room staff, 250 nationwide response teams, and serves well over 100 vehicle telematics companies. Building on its rich history and commitment to innovation, and customer-centric approach, Afrisist is poised for continued growth and success, driven by its mission to deliver exceptional security solutions.
OUR VALUES
INTEGRITY
We operate with transparency, honesty and ethical standards maintaining trust and credibility in all of our interactions
RELIABILITY
We are committed to delivering exceptional service and support, ensuring seamless operations and minimizing downtime.
COLLABORATION
We foster strong partnerships with our customers, team members and stakeholders, using our unique abilities to work together to achieve shared goals.
EXCELLENCE
We strive for excellence in every aspect of our business, continuously improving processes, services and customer experiences.
RESPONSIVENESS
We respond promptly to customer needs, concerns and emergencies, providing timely and effective solutions.
OUR LEADERS
Martin van Rooyen
Managing Director
Read More
Martin is the visionary leader and founder who has been driving the company’s success for over two decades. With a proven track record of turning vision into reality, Martin has established himself as a respected entrepreneur and business strategist.
As a dedicated leader, Martin is passionate about empowering high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. His dynamic approach to leadership has been instrumental in Afrisist’s growth and success, and he continues to seek opportunities to create value and drive growth.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Martin is an avid endurance athlete and devoted family man. He cherishes time with his loved ones and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Under Martin’s guidance, Afrisist has established itself as a trusted and respected player in the industry. His unwavering focus on integrity and authenticity has created a culture that values people, innovation and excellence.
Carla-Anne Davie
Business Development Executive
Read More
Carla is a shining example of dedication, intelligence, and passion, serving as the Business Development Executive at Afrisist. With a strong academic foundation, holding a BsocSci degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a BA Honors Degree with distinction in Clinical Psychology, Carla brings a unique perspective to her role.
Her remarkable journey, rising through the ranks from entry-level to executive, has equipped her with an unparalleled understanding of every aspect of the business. Carla’s client relationships are built on trust, honesty, and a deep commitment to delivering personalised solutions that exceed expectations.
Afrisist clients adore Carla, praising her unwavering focus on their needs and her tireless efforts to drive growth and success. Her contributions have earned her a reputation as a true asset to the company. Carla’s selfless approach, combined with her impressive expertise, makes her an indispensable part of the Afrisist team.
Hugo de Villiers
Recovery Manager
Read More
With over 13 years of experience in the vehicle recovery industry, Hugo is a driving force behind Afrisist’s success as Recovery Manager. Hugo’s passion for fighting crime and making South Africa a safer place is evident in his efforts to build and maintain the country’s strongest recovery network.
As a respected member of the board of directors for IAATI (International Association of Auto Theft Investigators), Hugo’s expertise and connections with the SAPS and other role players are integral parts of our business.
Hugo’s leadership and strategic thinking enable him to effectively manage our recovery network, ensuring seamless operations from our control room to our ground teams. His dedication to delivering results has been instrumental in maintaining our high success rate in stolen vehicle recoveries. We are proud to have Hugo on our team, and our clients can rest assured that their assets are in good hands.
Ryan Rhodes
Call Centre Manager
Read More
Ryan Rhodes is a veteran in the call centre industry, serving as Call Centre Manager at Afrisist, where he has spent over a decade perfecting the art of delivering exceptional customer experiences. With a keen focus on leadership by example, Ryan prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else, inspiring his team to strive for excellence in every interaction.
Under Ryan’s guidance, the control room and human resources operations run seamlessly, with a strong emphasis on quality and efficiency. Ryan is dedicated to upskilling his team, empowering them to provide top-notch service to our valued clients.
Respected by his peers and admired by his team, Ryan’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining Afrisist’s reputation for outstanding customer service. His pursuit of excellence has earned him a reputation as a true professional, and we are proud to have him at the helm of our call centre operations.
Leigh Erasmus
Administration Manager
Read More
Leigh is the driving force behind Afrisist’s seamless administration. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for organization and efficiency, Leigh excels in streamlining processes and managing administrative functions, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction.
As a dedicated client liaison, Leigh takes pride in nurturing relationships with Afrisist’s key clients, providing personalised support and tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. Her exceptional interpersonal skills and warm demeanor have earned her a reputation as a trusted and valued partner.
Leigh’s impact extends beyond her administrative expertise, as she prioritizes the well-being and upliftment of her colleagues. By fostering a culture of balance, positivity, and camaraderie, Leigh creates a work environment that inspires growth, creativity, and collaboration. Outside of the office, Leigh’s adventurous spirit takes her on thrilling hikes up Table Mountain or tackling DIY home improvement projects with enthusiasm.
Shepherd Jordan
Support Team Leader
Read More
With an impressive 12-year tenure at Afrisist, Shepherd has navigated various departments, accumulating a vast wealth of knowledge that enables him to tackle complex challenges with ease, leveraging his exceptional technical expertise to steer the company’s growth and success.
As Support Team Lead, Shepherd’s technical knowledge is invaluable, informing strategic decisions that propel Afrisist forward. His unique blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen makes him an indispensable asset to the team.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Shepherd is a devoted family man. When not providing solutions at Afrisist, he can be found on the sidelines, cheering on his sons as they excel in various sports. This dedication to family and community underscores Shepherd’s well-rounded leadership and commitment to excellence.