About Us
The Hostage Survival Training Centre (HSTC)
The Hostage Survival Training Centre (HSTC) is a South African Non-Profit Company (Reg No 2023/263469/08, Public Benefit Organization No 930081856), and registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database. HSTC is a recipient of the African Excellence Award, uniquely dedicated to proactive measures of ensuring awareness and preparedness for individuals, organized formations, corporates and government personnel to survive kidnappings, abduction and hostage-taking as the most sinister forms of crime that has plagued South Africa, the African continent and many parts of the world today.
Our Partners
Trusted organizations working with the Hostage Survival Training Centre
Our Team
Dr Moscow Marumo
Chairman
Moscow is a leading figure in negotiation with an extensive track record as South Africa’s chief negotiator at high-stakes international conventions. He holds a BSc, MSc and PhD in human performance and management fields, complemented by a Graduate Diploma in Company Direction. As Founder and Chairman of the Hostage Survival Training Centre (HSTC), he presides over the Board of Directors, ensuring excellence in strategic direction, governance, and the Centre’s long-term mission to save lives through preparedness.
Dr Sipho Manese
Executive Director
Dr Manese brings four decades of experience across public and private sectors. He has served on ministerial committees and chaired oversight bodies focused on crime prevention and human security. At HSTC he leads implementation of strategy and daily operations, with emphasis on developing coping mechanisms for hostages, building a psychological support programme, and driving a holistic, diplomacy-informed approach to negotiations and hostage situations.
Captain Geoffrey Coetzee
Chief Operating Officer
Captain Coetzee is a seasoned defense and personal security specialist with 20+ years’ experience. A former SA National Defence Force officer, he served as Infantry Platoon and Company Commander and later as Mortar Platoon Commander. A Tactical & Advanced Firearm Instructor, he also serves as Range Master at Marksman’s Nest. At HSTC, Geoffrey leads programme operations and specialist training in counter-kidnapping, crisis response and organised-crime intelligence.
Ms Zenande Mketeni
Director & Executive: Marketing
Zenande is a community activist and creative leader focused on crime prevention and gender-based violence. With a background in fine arts and social impact, she leads HSTC’s awareness initiatives, partnerships and outreach—building safer communities, advocating for inclusivity, and equipping individuals with practical skills to navigate difficult situations.
Ms Zanele Manese
Director & Executive: Public Relations
Zanele is an accomplished communications professional working across heritage, tourism and public safety. She drives HSTC’s reputation strategy, stakeholder engagement and media relations—raising awareness on safe travel, community vigilance and responsible tourism. Her focus is on clear, compassionate messaging that empowers the public to act before, during and after high-risk situations.
HSTC Business Differentiators
- Stress Inoculation Training (to prepare trainees in advance to be able to handle stressful situations successfully)
- Incorporation of video material from survived former hostages
- Mobile training dispensation capability
Our Vision
A Speedy Safe Return of Hostages
On the African Continent and Surrounding
Islands, Now and in the Future.
Our Mission
Ensuring Personal Safety and Liberty Through Helping to Cultivate a Survival Mindset in Hostage Situations.