Reaction Unit South Africa’s (RUSA) Prem Balram was honoured for his work involving missing persons, vulnerable children and rescue operations at the DSK Groups gender-based violence gala, on Saturday.
The organisation hailed Balram for the remarkable work he has done for the community. The Cross Award for Bravery recognised Balram's instrumental role in cases involving babies, missing persons and other rescue operations during 2026.
The award recognised Balram's instrumental role in cases involving babies, missing persons and other rescue operations during 2026.
Balram was also acknowledged for bringing attention to cases that often remain unreported, giving a voice to vulnerable people and leading rescue and lifesaving missions.
KZN premier, Thami Ntuli commended the first responders and other role players during his address at the gala dinner.
Other honourees at the event included Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers, Vivian Reddy, Chairman of Sibaya Precinct, influencer and content creator Resh Naidoo and Yogas Nair, IOL Provincial Editor (KZN).
Between November 2025 and November 2026, RUSA responded to 18,500 calls for assistance.
Speaking to sundaytribune.co.za after receiving the award, Balram said the recognition was for his work assisting vulnerable people and leading rescue operations, particularly those involving missing persons, children and individuals in life-threatening situations.
"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 act when someone needs help, regardless of the risks involved," said Balram.
He said he was deeply honoured and humbled at receiving the honour for a second year in a row.
"Receiving this recognition was a proud moment, not only for me personally but also for the dedicated men and women of RUSA, who work tirelessly to protect and save lives," said Balram.
Roshan Lil-Ruthan, chairperson of the Verulam Business Forum (VBF), congratulated Balram, and the team on receiving the prestigious Cross Award for Bravery.
"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. Whether responding to cases involving vulnerable babies, locating missing persons, assisting victims in distress, or carrying out challenging rescue operations, RUSA has become a beacon of hope to countless families in Verulam and across KwaZulu-Natal," said Lil-Ruthan.
He said they were proud to celebrate one of their own.
"Prem's commitment extends far beyond the call of duty. His selfless service, unwavering determination, and readiness to assist those in their darkest moments embody the highest ideals of community leadership and social responsibility," he said.
Lil-Ruthan said the men and women of RUSA worked tirelessly, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances, to protect lives and bring comfort to those facing unimaginable challenges.
"Their collective service has earned the respect and admiration of communities throughout our province. On behalf of my Executive Committee, members, and stakeholders of the Verulam Business Forum, I extend our warmest congratulations to Prem and the entire RUSA family on this well-deserved achievement. Your bravery inspires us, your service uplifts our communities, and your humanity reminds us that there are still heroes that walk amongst us," he said.
Vish Roopnarain, chairperson of Verulam Civic Organisation, saluted Balram for his outstanding work in the community and surrounding areas.
"30 years ago, Prem Balram, together with his late father, and brother started RUSA in Verulam. Besides providing outstanding security services to the community, Balram's bravery, expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment to serve the community and country is commendable.”
Roopnarain, said many lives, including those of children and adults, have been saved by Balram and RUSA.
Rachel Wilkin, chairperson of the Verulam Community Police Forum (CPF), acknowledged the recognition Balram received from the DSK Foundation, an NPO supporting 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. Child protection is a collective responsibility, and under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 the best interests of the child are paramount," she said.
Wilkin said effective protection requires collaboration among government, SAPS, designated child protection organisations, private security providers and communities, with each respecting the other’s mandate.
"RUSA’s response to incidents affecting vulnerable community members forms part of this effort, private security and communities can identify risks, respond to emergencies and refer concerns, while department of social develoment, designated child protection organisations and SAPS fulfil statutory assessment, investigation and intervention responsibilities. Disclosures must be handled sensitively, children’s identities safeguarded and secondary victimisation avoided," she said.
She said the Verulam CPF believes this collaborative partnership strengthens their shared ability to uphold the rights, dignity, safety and best interests of vulnerable children, as envisaged by relevant legislation.