Discipline Meets Innovation: Inside the Journey of DKH Protection Services and Training

Discipline Meets Innovation: Inside the Journey of DKH Protection Services and Training. When former South African Police Service member Pleasureh Hlungwani founded DKH Protection Services and Training in September 2024, he wasn’t just starting a business, he was building a vision rooted in discipline, trust, and excellence. Within just a year, that vision turned into one of South Africa’s most respected security service providers, earning DKH the prestigious 2025 Founder of the Year Award (FOYA) for Retail Founder of the Year Over 30.

From its headquarters in Limpopo to its nationwide operations, DKH Protection Services has become synonymous with reliability, innovation, and empowerment. The story of its rise offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Turning Experience into Enterprise

Before launching DKH, Pleasureh Hlungwani spent years serving in the South African Police Service, an experience that shaped his understanding of security, discipline, and human behavior. Those years on the frontlines gave him a rare advantage when stepping into private security: he knew firsthand what true protection meant and how to train others to deliver it.

Instead of entering an overcrowded market unprepared, Hlungwani used his background to build credibility and structure. DKH wasn’t designed to be just another security company; it was built as a professional, well-trained operation capable of meeting national standards while providing personalized service.

Building a Dual-Strength Model: Protection and Training

What sets DKH apart is its integrated approach. Alongside protection services, Hlungwani established the DKH Security Training College, offering expert training and placement for aspiring security personnel. This dual structure allowed DKH to control quality at every level, from recruitment and training to deployment.

In 2025, the college awarded 25 young South Africans with full bursaries, giving them access to professional training in the security sector. This initiative didn’t just create jobs; it created opportunities for youth empowerment and industry transformation.

By investing in education, DKH positioned itself not just as a business but as a driver of social impact. The strategy reinforced its reputation and attracted both corporate and public clients who value ethical leadership and community upliftment.

Technology at the Core of Service Delivery

As the security landscape evolved, so did DKH’s approach. The company invested in cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and safety. From surveillance systems to advanced communication tools, technology became the backbone of its service delivery.

This focus on innovation set DKH apart from competitors who relied solely on manpower. By integrating tech-driven security solutions, Hlungwani ensured that DKH’s guards were not only well-trained but also well-equipped to handle modern challenges. The result was a seamless blend of human expertise and technological precision, a combination that continues to define the company’s success.

Strategic Growth and Nationwide Expansion

What began in Limpopo quickly expanded across provinces, with DKH Protection Services now operating nationally. The company’s ability to scale without compromising quality has been one of its defining achievements.

By maintaining a consistent standard of professionalism, DKH earned trust among clients across multiple industries, from corporate events to large-scale facilities. During high-risk or high-profile occasions, DKH’s guards have become the go-to choice for reliable protection, especially during the festive season when demand peaks.

This steady growth is no accident. Hlungwani’s leadership emphasizes strong internal systems, clear communication, and accountability. Each branch operates under the same values that guided the company’s founding: integrity, readiness, and excellence.

Recognition and Credibility

In less than a year, DKH’s impact was recognized across Southern Africa when it received the 2025 FOYA Award as the top security service provider and training college in the SADC region. This accolade cemented DKH’s reputation as a benchmark for quality and professionalism in security and training.

Awards, however, are just the surface of the brand’s story. Behind every accolade lies a culture of hard work and a deep respect for the people who make DKH what it is, from the guards on the ground to the trainers shaping tomorrow’s professionals.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The rise of DKH Protection Services offers powerful insights for entrepreneurs building their own brands:

• Leverage experience: Use your professional background to create unique value in your industry.
• Empower others: DKH’s bursary program shows how investing in people strengthens both business and community.
• Adopt innovation early: Integrating technology keeps your services relevant and competitive.
• Stay disciplined: Operational consistency builds reputation faster than marketing ever could.
• Lead with purpose: Businesses that serve a greater goal often endure beyond their founders.

A Legacy of Safety and Empowerment

Pleasureh Hlungwani’s journey from law enforcement officer to award-winning founder is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Under his leadership, DKH Protection Services and Training continues to redefine the security industry, one guard, one trainee, and one innovation at a time.

His story reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about solving real-world problems and uplifting others along the way. DKH stands as proof that when experience, education, and empathy unite, success becomes more than a milestone, it becomes a movement.