Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), was presented with the Cross Award for Bravery at the DSK Groups gender‑based violence gala on Saturday. The award recognised his leadership in rescue operations involving babies, missing persons and other life‑threatening situations during 2026. RUSA responded to 18,500 calls for assistance between November 2025 and November 2026. During the ceremony, KwaZulu‑Natal Premier Thami Ntuli praised first responders and other stakeholders for their service. Other honorees included Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers, Vivian Reddy, chairman of Sibaya Precinct, influencer Resh Naidoo, and IOL provincial editor Yogas Nair. Balram said the award was a recognition of his work assisting vulnerable people and leading rescue missions. “As a helicopter pilot and head of RUSA, I will continue to dedicate much of my life to helping people in distress. It is also my job to act when someone needs help, regardless of the risks involved,” he told Sunday Tribune. He added that the honour was a proud moment for him and for the men and women of RUSA who work tirelessly to protect and save lives. Roshan Lil‑Ruthan, chairperson of the Verulam Business Forum, congratulated Balram and his team. “This award is a fitting recognition of the extraordinary dedication, courage and compassion that Prem and his team demonstrate every day in service to our communities,” he said. Lil‑Ruthan highlighted RUSA’s role in locating missing persons, assisting victims in distress and carrying out challenging rescue operations across Verulam and KwaZulu‑Natal. Vish Roopnarain, chairperson of the Verulam Civic Organisation, noted that RUSA was founded 30 years ago by Balram, his late father and brother. “Prem’s bravery, expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment to serve the community and country is commendable,” he said. Roopnarain added that many lives, including those of children and adults, have been saved by RUSA. Rachel Wilkin, chairperson of the Verulam Community Police Forum, acknowledged the recognition from the DSK Foundation, a non‑profit that supports abused and vulnerable women, children and men. “This recognition affirms RUSA’s role in raising awareness of abuse and vulnerability and the contribution that private security providers and community organisations make in child protection,” she said. Wilkin emphasized that child protection is a collective responsibility under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and that effective protection requires collaboration among government, SAPS, designated child protection organisations, private security providers and communities. She noted that RUSA’s response to incidents involving vulnerable community members is part of this effort, helping to identify risks, respond to emergencies and refer concerns while safeguarding children’s identities and preventing secondary victimisation.
Article source: The Independent Online | Image credit: The Independent Online