Fear Nothing

There are 550,000 private security personnel in South Africa—outnumbering all of the country’s police and military combined. They are part of a security industry worth billions. With inequality and crime there having reached extremely high levels, the industry exploits the fears of primarily white wealthy citizens by offering weapons, fences, surveillance systems, and drones.

In Fear Nothing, Tuva Björk follows the security guards who protect Johannesburg’s elite, day and night. A disturbing picture emerges of ingrained racism, militarization of public spaces, unlawful violence, toxic masculinity, and sadism—all presented under the guise of “love for the job.” Ultimately, these security measures don’t make people feel any safer; instead, they fuel an atmosphere of constant tension and paranoia.