Helicopter Pilot Receives Bravery Award for Lifesaving Missions

Photo Credit: Reaction Unit South Africa

Prem Balram, who has been the eyes in the sky and safety on the ground for numerous call-outs involving GBV victims, was honoured with a bravery award this past weekend!

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (09 November 2026) – Prem Balram has received yet another Bravery Award for his heroic acts!

Balram is a helicopter pilot and the co-founder of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a KwaZulu-Natal-based security, armed response and emergency medical service provider.

Through RUSA, Balram and his team have served the communities of Verulam and surrounding areas for 30 years, conducting countless lifesaving operations.

Prem and his brother, Vinod, founded RUSA in 1996 with the vision of providing safety and security to the residents of Verulam.

Photo Credit: Reaction Unit South Africa

Over the years, their efforts have led to hundreds of arrests, resulting in life sentences or lengthy prison terms for perpetrators. Many of these cases have involved the rescue of kidnapped victims, the apprehension of rape and murder suspects, and the exposure of sexual abuse in GBV-related cases.

This past weekend, the Daniella Simone Keisha Group (DSK), a local NPO dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence, held its annual GBV Gala to raise awareness about gender-based violence and mobilise resources for the empowerment of survivors through its GBV Survivor Empowerment Programme.

For the second consecutive year, Prem Balram received the Cross Award for Bravery at the gala. The helicopter pilot was recognised for bringing attention to cases that often go unreported, giving a voice to vulnerable people, and leading rescue and lifesaving missions.

A true KZN hero, Balram has received numerous awards in recognition of his lifesaving work.

Beyond the Cross Award, he previously won a Mayor’s Award after deploying by helicopter alongside several RUSA officers over 30 hours in an attempt to locate a one-month-old baby who had been taken during a hijacking. He has also received an Unsung Heroes Award for a life devoted to helping and protecting others.

RUSA has earned multiple awards too, as the ‘Best Security Company’ and for excellence in tracking hijacked, stolen and other sought-after vehicles.

Balram’s care for local communities extends beyond emergency response. He has also been involved in multiple school safety initiatives aimed at educating young learners about safety and emergency response!

“The award…” shared RUSA in celebrating its pilot, director and hero, “…recognised his instrumental role in cases involving babies, missing persons and other Rescue Operations during 2026.”

The organisation added that between November 2025 and November 2026, RUSA responded to 18,500 calls for assistance. Balram’s critical role in many of these call-outs has helped save lives.

Pictured below is Balram receiving his award at the gala. Other recipients included Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers, who was also a keynote speaker at the event, Vivian Reddy, Chairman of Sibaya Precinct, Resh Naidoo of Baking Pan, alongside several others who were honoured.

In response to Prem earning top honours for his bravery, community members and supporters showed pride in their local hero.

“Congratulations Mr Prem Balram well deserved for all your hard work…” wrote Shanila Barrat.

“Congratulations to you Mr Prem Balram Another outstanding award and honor. So greatly deserved. Always proud, always flying the Verulam flag high. Here’s to many more…Thank you for being YOU!” said Lyndelle Carrissa Moodley.

“Thank you for your sacrifice, your extraordinary courage, and for being a Beacon of light when it’s needed the most. We are forever grateful and endlessly proud of you.” commented Nerisha Bridglall.

“Prem Balram should actually be given the Nobel Peace Prize…” said Suresh Thulsi in part.

“The entire community are so dependented on this one soul, who can go an extra mile, above his call of duty. You truly deserve it.” added Shamine Siraramen.