About Zero Foundation
After travelling and working in several African countries, Mr. Weaver founded Zero Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa in 1991. The company was formed to provide specialised security consultancy services to South African firms emerging from the protectionist policies of the Apartheid regime. Initially, Zero Foundation provided personnel screening to companies wishing to hire new staff and security management consultancy to companies that realised that security meant more than a guard at the gate.
Following the 1994 democratic elections, foreign companies invested in South Africa. Many such companies had left during the 1970s and 1980s but returned to find a radically different political landscape and economic trading conditions. The need for competitive intelligence grew and Zero Foundation was uniquely placed to satisfy this demand. Mr. Weaver became the first African member of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) and was elected Chairman of the Cape Town Chapter (# 203) of ASIS International.
For the past decade, Zero Foundation has worked for many companies wishing to conduct business both in South Africa and in other African countries too. Our key services include:
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- Due Diligence Enquiries
- Personnel Screening
- Financial Intelligence
- Security Management Consultancy
- Specialised Training
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By becoming your corporate intelligence partner in Africa, we can help you make informed business decisions.
The combined knowledge of Zero Foundation’s senior management covers all aspects of intelligence, security and training within every African country.
Benedict N. Weaver, Founder
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An Oxford Honours graduate and Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Benedict spent several years working for a British security organisation. This exposed him to a variety of sensitive scenarios in the UK and overseas, especially in the field of computer crime, international fraud, drugs trafficking and industrial espionage. After consulting for several companies with interests in Africa, benedict realised that there was a need for actionable and timely corporate intelligence from the continent.
Interviewed on Carte Blanche, Radio 702 and Cape Talk, Benedict has also regularly presented at various international security symposia. His authorship of articles on security topics, lectures and broadcasts keeps him in the forefront of intelligence and security developments worldwide.
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| In his spare time, Mr. Weaver enjoys adventure racing and captained the South African team for three consecutive Eco-Challenge™ races, described as the “toughest race on earth”. |
Mariam Lakay, Operations Manager
A founding member of Zero Foundation and fluent in Afrikaans, Mariam is responsible for managing all operations carried out by the firm. Her experience with conducting sensitive investigations has led to commendations from clients in the insurance, banking and IT industries.
A black belt in Kyokushin karate, Mariam is actively involved with training and was closely involved with the protection of players and sponsors during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Colette Oosthuyzen, Information Officer
Having completed her secondary education in Cape Town, Colette entered the film industry and worked with a variety of local and international agencies.
This work experience exposed her to the specialised areas of asset protection, physical security and close protection.
Her experience in research, both online and offline, has resulted in the successful conclusion of many asset investigations and the tracing of funds stolen by organised crime and dishonest employees. Colette is responsible for marketing and presenting our key services to clients.
John Fletcher, Non-Executive Director
Following a successful career in the Rhodesian Special Branch, John established the guidelines for professional guarding contracts in the South Africa oil industry. He was then employed as Director of security for De Beers and managed an undercover team using innovative investigative techniques whilst working within the South African diamond industry. After heading the Security and Investigations Department for the Cape Town City Council, John project manages major assignments conducted by Zero Foundation.
John is a keen golfer and plays off a low handicap.
Leone Barnard, Senior Case Officer
Following a career in international hotel management and security, Leone is a qualified Trainer and develops various programmes. She is also responsible for managing our resource databases and the company intranet.
Leone enjoys camping and spends time hiking through the African bush.
