Genesis K9 Group is a leading K9 training and specialised security provider, specialising in the development and certification of highly skilled working dogs. We deliver PSIRA-recognised (#2471961) and SASSETA-accredited (#151999692393) training programs, offering comprehensive courses in dog handling (DH1-DH5) from basic to advanced levels.
Our expertise extends to specialised training in security, detection, tracking, and anti-poaching operations, equipping both dogs and handlers for diverse operational environments. Whether through our 12-week dedicated course, client-specific training, or recognition of prior learning, we tailor our programs to meet unique needs.
Genesis K9 Group also offers a range of professional services, including guarding, the lease and sale of trained dogs, detection services, and boarding. We also provide certification of dogs and dogs teams. With a commitment to excellence, we ensure our clients receive top-tier solutions in canine security and training.
DH1-2
DH1-3
DH1-4
DH1-5A
DH1-5B
RPL
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Meet the pack behind Genesis K9 Group – a dedicated team of experts driven by a passion for excellence in K9 training and security solutions.
André le Roux started his dog career in the military, in 1992. Following his time in the military, he worked as a Mine Detection Dog handler in various African countries and Bosnia Herzegovina. He was the co-founder of the Mine Dog Centre South Africa, which later became the Mine Dog School, in conjunction with MineTech International. He remains the owner of the property which serves as the Genesis K9 Group campus. His joint managing director duties include overseeing the training of dogs, new handlers and personally deploying and accrediting dogs and handlers in over 14 countries on 5 continents. André also served as part of the advisory group for the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). During this time, André was part of a team which compiled a puppy socialising program for demining dogs. To further his experience in working with detection dogs, he worked in Afghanistan as a Mission Dog Handler, attached to the Canadian military, to clear roads and patrol routes for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). André is a registered SASSETA facilitator, assessor and moderator, and his resumé is available upon request.
Thys Kleyn served in the SAPS for 9 years as a K9 instructor, and heads up patrol and aggression training. He holds an LL.B. degree from the University of Pretoria, and is currently on the roll of non-practicing lawyers of South Africa. Additionally, he has 12 years’ experience in countries like Tanzania, Iraq and Afghanistan as handler, trainer and project manager. In Iraq, he was part of the personal protection teams for Prime Minister Maliki and President Alawi. He was also responsible for establishing a canine unit at the Sulmania International Airport in Kurdistan. In Afghanistan, he assisted the Coalition Forces as Combat Dog Handler for four years, during which time he was deployed with the ground troops, handling a detection dog, searching for roadside bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices. Thys was also a trainer, project manager and quality control manager for canine programs in Afghanistan for another three years. During this time, he trained the VIP dog unit for President Karzai and the Border Police. He also formed part of the US department of State’s Anti-terrorist Assistance Canine program in Afghanistan. He also used his expertise for training dogs and dog handlers in Afghanistan and Thailand. Thys is a registered SASSETA facilitator, assessor and moderator. His resumé is available on request.
Christine Voorendyk holds DH1-5 qualifications and is a facilitator, moderator, and assessor. She has a BA in Communication and an Honours Degree in English. Taking the lead on training and marketing, she has been with Genesis since 2019. Prior to this, she spent 14 years working in TV and advertising. Her favourite dog is a Bull Terrier, although she is known for her love of mixed breeds. Her working dog at Genesis is a German Shepherd cross Malinois.
Alex le Roux has been working at Genesis as the Kennel Master since 2019, and is responsible for the wellbeing of the dogs. She is also an assessor, moderator, and facilitator for dog handler students. Her favourite part of her work is keeping the dogs happy. Some of the challenges she faces include working with difficult dogs. Her favourite breed is the Dutch Shepherd. In addition to her kennel duties, she conducts site visits. She is qualified in various aspects of aviation security and DH1-5.
Sydney Matlala has been with Genesis K9 Group since 2017 and has travelled to eight countries as an instructor. His favourite aspects of training are tracking and bite work, and he has a special fondness for Malinois and Bloodhounds. While abroad, he particularly enjoys working at checkpoints, where his skills are put to excellent use.
Simon Rathokolo, also known as Cobra, is our head dog trainer. He boasts an impressive CV, including extensive experience in conflict zones in the Balkans and the Middle East. This is the kind of experience that can’t be taught, and Simon’s knowledge and experience comes through clearly in how he runs his department.
Eugen Matila
Eugen Matila joined the dog industry in 2009, and has been part of the team at Genesis since 2016, bringing years of valuable experience to the table. Specialising in detection, he trains dogs for narcotics and explosives work. His career has taken him to Zambia and Southern Sudan, where he has trained numerous handlers.
Julia Mbuyane
Julia Mbuyane spends her days washing kennels, working with the dogs, and training puppies. Having been at Genesis since 2016, her favourite part of the job is working with the puppies. She begins their training through play, using a toy to engage them. As they grow older, she introduces a small Kong to gradually build their skills.
Lindiwe Rathokolo
Lindiwe Rathokolo has been with Genesis K9 since 2017 and is known for her great and enduring love for dogs of all kinds. As part of the kennel team, she is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the dogs’ living spaces and ensuring they remain well-fed and healthy.
Cynthwell Mnyangeni has been working at Genesis since 2017 as a kennel cleaner. Her favourite dog of all time is Kevin, a Dutch Shepherd. She enjoys grooming and walking the dogs, and takes great pride in leaving kennels in pristine condition to ensure the dogs’ wellbeing and comfort.
Future Nyoni has been with Genesis since 2022 and plays an essential role in creating a welcoming environment and preserving the team’s sanity! Any work-related questions? Future knows the answer. Whether she is making coffee, keeping things clean, maintaining stock or running office logistics, she ensures everyone feels at home and comfortable.
Lachey Badenhorst oversees office and staff matters, while receiving on-the-job training, and is working diligently towards obtaining her professional qualifications. She has been part of the GK9 team since July 2025. Her favourite breed is the Cattle Dog, which she loves for its affectionate and cuddly nature.
Adelaide Helliwell holds DH5 in both tracking and detection, and PSIRA Grade A. She is a qualified facilitator and assessor with extensive experience working on crime scenes. She joined the industry in 2021, inspired during COVID lockdown by the work of detection dog handlers. Her favourite breed is the Belgian Malinois, valued for its versatility and exceptional working capabilities.
Ethan Reineke holds DH5 and PSIRA Grade C qualifications. He has been working in the industry since April 2025. After seeing the vital role dogs play in anti-poaching operations, he decided to pursue a career where he could contribute meaningfully through canine handling and training. His favourite dog breed is the Dutch Shepherd, which he admires for its distinctive coat and strong working ability.
Cody Lallemand
Cody Lallemand graduated with a DH5 qualification in April 2025, and walked away with the prestigious Top Academic Award at the end of his training. He holds a PSIRA Grade A, and his favourite breed of dog is a Malinois, which he loves for their energy and personality. He has volunteered at dog shelters since the age of 8, and is notorious for his love of driving!
Wynne Aubrey holds a DH5 in tracking and detection, and is PSIRA certified up to Grade A. She has been working in the industry since August 2025 and has had a lifelong connection with dogs, having worked with them in fields like obedience and agility since the age of five. Her passion for canine work and hands-on experience continue to drive her growth within the field. Her favourite dog breed is the Labrador.
Mandla Sibanyoni
Mandla Sibanyoni joined the GK9 grounds team in December 2025, and has become a familiar sight driving the lawnmower around the farm. He keeps the extensive lawns under control and ensures that the bite field, volley ball field and communal areas are well-kept, neat, and suitable for use.
Kenny Teledi
Kenny Teledi joined the team in 2018, and is the senior groundsman at GK9. Together with his team, Kenny is responsible for keeping the grounds maintained and looking great. He has a knack for repairing almost anything, and many past students will remember the exclamation, “call Kenny!” whenever a leaking pipe or flat tyre needs to be dealt with.
Brian Tlou
Brian Tlou, as a respected member of the grounds team, has been with GK9 since 2022, and is known for finding innovative solutions to challenges, from trees that have fallen over, to doors getting stuck. Brian’s speciality is building, and he has led the projects for several builds and renovations on the property over the years.
Our training facility is situated just outside Pretoria, in the Seringveld Conservation Area. This environment suits us well in preparing the dogs to be deployed anywhere across the globe. The kennel facility is close to the world-renowned Onderstepoort Veterinary facility, and is also within 1 hour’s drive from OR Tambo International Airport.
Training takes place on-site and in the surrounding areas. This ensures that the dogs are well socialised, and able to cope with a vairety of environments. Regular training at various deployment sites creates word of mouth about the dogs and their crime-deterring abilities, resulting in a safer site.
Validations by a third party ensures that standards of the K9 unit are consistently maintained. Through our partnerships with numerous security companies in South Africa, many of our teams are deployed at residential and commercial properties, which we also use as socialisation sites for our young dogs.
All teams comply with the minimum standards as set by PSIRA-recognised (#2471961) and SASSETA-accredited (#151999692393). In addition, all explosive detection teams are trained according to the UN-suggested Frontex training methodology and international standards, ensuring teams of the highest calibre and professionalism. De-mining/UXO dog teams comply with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
