In line with the Cybercrimes Act, 2020 (Act 19 of 2020), a Cybercrimes Designated Point of Contact has been established through a collaboration between the CSIR and SAPS. The facility is located at the CSIR in Pretoria. The Act requires all financial and electronic communications service providers to report cybercrimes directly to this designated point of contact, the CSIR said in its 2024/25 annual report.

“As the use of digital systems for communication and online transactions becomes increasingly widespread, so do the risks to the safety and security of user’s personal information. Previously, there was no dedicated mechanism or platform to report cybercrimes. In response, the CSIR developed a secure, web-based reporting platform that allows service providers to report cybercrimes directly to the SAPS Designated Point of Contact, hereby supporting cybercrime investigation and response efforts.”

The tool has been fully developed over the past two years and is ready for deployment in a live environment. It will undergo final testing, security assessments and penetration testing before being rolled out nationally for use by all financial and electronic communications service providers in South Africa, the CSIR said.

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To support this effort, the Limpopo ICT Forum, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are jointly host a three-day Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar Series under the theme “Your Data, Your Power: Hlayiseka!” The phrase Hlayiseka!, meaning “Be Safe”, is a call to action for all citizens to take ownership of their digital safety. The theme serves as a reminder that personal data is power and protecting it is not only a technical responsibility but also a personal and social one, the CSIR said.

This initiative forms part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October), which is celebrated globally to promote safer online practices and to build a culture of digital responsibility. The webinars bring together cybersecurity experts, educators, parents and members of the public to learn and engage on practical ways to stay safe online and safeguard their digital identities.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar Series aims to:

Promote awareness of personal data protection and responsible digital behaviour;

Educate citizens on how to identify and respond to common online threats;

Strengthen child online protection and digital rights awareness; and

Foster collaboration between government, industry, academia and communities to enhance national cyber resilience.

Day three (30 October 2025 from 18:00 – 19:00) will focus on romance scams and online relationship fraud (phishing and catfishing). It will be hosted by Siphokazi Novukuza, Director, Cybersecurity Operations, DCDT. Presenters will include Thuli Mkhwanazi: Senior Cybersecurity Researcher, CSIR; Danielle Badenhorst: Cybersecurity Specialist, CSIR; and Matsebe Phasha, Committee Member, Secretary, Limpopo ICT Forum.

To join, participants can click on this Teams link.

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The conference will run alongside the 8th G-STIC Conference (G-STIC Pretoria), marking the first time the event is being held in Africa.

The CSIR@80 | G-STIC Conference will take place from 8–10 October 2025 at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria under the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.” The conference will highlight collaborative technological solutions for global sustainability challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As such, various government representatives and experts from both industry and academia are set to address a range of topic areas, including water, climate, energy, public health, as well as safety and security.

Safety and Security as the Bedrock of Sustainability

While much of the conference will focus on climate resilience initiatives, health, renewable energy (the green transition), and agriculture; safety and security are set to be particularly pertinent topics at the event. The CSIR itself boasts a long and renowned history with national security and defence research as well as other areas such as agriculture and health. Consequently, for the CSIR to be collaborating with G-STIC offers an opportunity not only to share innovations in renewable energy, health, and food systems, but also to highlight how innovation in security can and does offer opportunities for wider societal benefits through advancing local and global sustainability efforts.

From monitoring and protecting water and energy infrastructure, to enhancing digital infrastructure, governance, and cybersecurity, the ability to keep societies safe is fundamental to Africa’s future and sustainable development. The CSIR@80 | G-STIC Pretoria Conference will put this reality into focus through its thematic content and speaker line-up.

Security Within the Programme

Attendees can look forward to a number of plenary and ‘deep dive’ sessions which directly and indirectly touch on safety and security matters.

For example, one the plenary sessions is themed “Building national resilience through home-grown technological innovations for safety and security.” This session will emphasise the benefits that can be derived from leveraging local skills, knowledge, and technology for enhanced resilience and strategic autonomy as part of a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to national security, industrial growth, and safety. Consequently, the aim of the session is to encourage and enable collaboration, while also enhancing the understanding of the role that technology can and does play in achieving safe and sustainable development.

Additionally, there are two safety- and security-themed ‘deep dive’ sessions which attendees can look forward to. These are “Leveraging technology and innovation for strategic safety, security, and resilience in South Africa” as well as “Invisible threats, intelligent responses: monitoring water for a resilient future.”

The former will showcase how investment in and utilisation of home-grown South African technologies, ranging from secure digital infrastructure to advanced cameras for enhanced boarder and urban security as well as early-warning systems, can contribute to national resilience, safety, and sustainable resource management. It will also highlight the role of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in aligning these innovations with the SDGs. The latter will focus on innovative technologies (such as remote sensing, drones, AI analytics, and advanced diagnostics) that are transforming water quality monitoring and management. By showcasing case studies and scientific insights, it will explore how these tools can enable resilient, high-quality water systems despite climate change.

Key Speakers to Look Out For

One of the highlights of the conference will be the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of government representatives, speakers, and experts. One of the most notable speakers in the safety and security space is Katekani Hlabathi, ICT Manager at South Africa’s State Security Agency (SSA). Hlabathi brings over 28 years of experience and insider expertise on cyber threats, national ICT security governance, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) projects. Hlabathi is set to present a path forward in securing South Africa’s digital future through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Notably, the conference is also expected to host several senior government representatives such as Prof. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, who will be delivering opening remarks at the conference’s outset.

Attendees can also expect to engage with a number of other speakers and experts in the safety and security domain during conference panel discussions and presentations. Some of the confirmed participants include:

• Dr Mthobisi Clyde Zondi, CEO and Executive Chair, Sandock Austral Group.
• Dr Moses Khanyile, Director, Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Unit (DAIRU).
• Sujo Mulamattathil, Managing Director, Threeframes/Sparcx.
• Dr Mamela Luthuli, CEO, TakeNoteIT.
• Dr Mike Masiapato, CEO and Commissioner, Border Management Authority, who will deliver the keynote address for the “Building national resilience through home-grown technological innovations for safety and security” plenary session.

The CSIR@80 | G-STIC Conference will not only mark 80 years of scientific achievement but also presents a unique opportunity for African realities, concerns, and challenges to be embedded in the global sustainability discourse. With contributors from government, industry, and academia, the conference will showcase the importance of domestic and international collaboration in science and technology for driving innovative and sustainable solutions for present and future challenges.

For more information please visit: https://gsticpretoria.org/

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The Meerkat currently uses a Reutech Radar Systems RSR 904 radar but the new CSIR developed unit is more cost effective. Meerkat combines the radar with day and thermal cameras for 24-hour operation, and information analysis software that is able to detect, track and classify people entering certain areas. It can monitor up to 200 square kilometres at a time.

The new Ground-based Surveillance and Classification Radar (GSCR) developed by the CSIR is able to classify targets – for example distinguishing between animals and humans, and may thus be able to operate without the Meerkat cameras that currently aid in identifying and classifying targets. The GSCR’s goal is unattended automated operation, with a game ranger, for example, obtaining a notification of an intrusion on a cell phone.

The new GSCR radar uses C-band electronically-steered antenna technology for improved sensitivity and better target classification.

It was developed with support from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The CSIR is aiming the new radar at the Border Management Authority, for counter-rhino poaching, and other applications.

The CSIR sees the radar, and its Tyto, Otus and RINO cameras, as building blocks potentially forming part of a larger family of surveillance radar systems for wildlife protection, border safeguarding, counter-crime on farms and in suburbs, key point security, counter air intrusion etc.

The CSIR has a long history of radar development, and is working on numerous radar projects at the moment, such as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for unmanned aerial vehicles, and has delivered a radar-based drone detection system to armasuisse (Federal Office for Defence Procurement) in Switzerland (SAMURAI: Swiss African MUltistatic RAdar Initiative). The CSIR’s most notable recent radar project is the Quadome, developed in conjunction with Hensoldt South Africa. This is the biggest local radar project in many years, and has already secured an export customer (the UK’s Royal Navy).

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One such alternative has been the use of drone surveillance by the Border Management Authority (BMA). Drones have demonstrated promising results in monitoring remote and inaccessible regions, providing real-time intelligence and enhancing situational awareness. However, the current level of drone deployment remains limited due to funding constraints. The Department of Home Affairs has acknowledged the need for expanded investment in surveillance technology and has submitted a business case to the National Treasury to secure the necessary resources.

The integrity of a country’s landward borders is essential to preserving its sovereignty, public safety, and economic security. Preventing infiltration is a cornerstone of this objective. In South Africa, this imperative is challenged by long, porous borders, limited physical barriers, and constrained manpower. This context demands more than conventional methods, necessitating the adoption of advanced surveillance technologies to support border protection agencies.

To address these challenges effectively, South Africa should pursue a co-ordinated, multi-technology approach to border security, following the “wall of sensors” appraoch. A compelling model for such a strategy is the Meerkat Wide Area Surveillance System (WASS), developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Originally created to combat rhino poaching in Kruger National Park, Meerkat integrates ground surveillance radar and electro-optical sensors capable of detecting and classifying movement across wide areas. It provides geo-referenced real-time data to command centres, enabling swift, targeted responses. Proven to operate effectively under harsh environmental conditions, Meerkat has significantly contributed to wildlife protection, demonstrating its potential for broader security roles.

Building on this success, the CSIR developed the Ground-based Surveillance and Classification Radar (GSCR), which includes electronically steered antennas for greater sensitivity and artificial intelligence to automate the classification of objects. This system reduces reliance on human operators, allowing for continuous wide-area monitoring and quicker decision-making.

Complementing this is the RSR 903 Ground Surveillance Radar by Reutech Radar Systems, a locally developed solution tailored for persistent, all-weather ground surveillance. The RSR 903 is designed to detect, track, and classify targets over long ranges, making it well suited for both border protection and conservation efforts. It provides the force multiplication required by security agencies to compensate for limited personnel.

Reutech also offers the PIMS X300 Mobile Sensor Station, a rapidly deployable trailer-mounted platform that integrates radar (like the RSR 903), cameras, communications, and power systems into a single mobile unit. It is particularly valuable in areas where fixed infrastructure is lacking or when dynamic threats require flexible surveillance capability.

A Unified Border Surveillance Network: Case Study

An effective border security network can be built on the joint application of Meerkat WASS, GSCR, Reutech’s RSR 903 radar, and the PIMS X300. Together, these systems would form a layered, adaptable surveillance grid:

1. Strategic Coverage
   GSCR and RSR 903 radars would be installed in high-risk border areas for round-the-clock surveillance. Mobile PIMS X300 units would provide support in evolving threat zones or areas without permanent infrastructure.
2. Automated Threat Detection
   Artificial intelligence in GSCR systems enables automatic classification of radar detections, distinguishing humans from animals without operator input. This reduces false positives and streamlines incident response.
3. Visual Confirmation
   Electro-optical sensors such as the CSIR-developed Rino and Tyto systems would provide high-resolution imagery under various lighting and environmental conditions, enabling precise visual verification of radar detections.
4. Aerial Support
   Drones, ideally long endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) would complement ground systems by investigating alerts and extending operational reach, especially in areas inaccessible by foot or vehicle.
5. Integrated Command and Control
   A centralised system would consolidate data from all components into a geo-referenced interface, allowing security teams to coordinate efficiently and respond rapidly to any incursions.
6. Local Development and Scalability
   These systems are developed or supported domestically, ensuring suitability to local conditions and infrastructure. Their modular design makes them scalable, allowing phased implementation aligned with available resources and national priorities.

South Africa’s current border protection strategy, reliant on limited manpower and ineffective physical barriers, requires urgent transformation. By adopting an integrated network of modern surveillance technologies, anchored by domestically produced technology, the country can build a resilient, intelligence-led border security framework. These proven, locally developed solutions offer the precision, flexibility, and efficiency needed to manage the complex challenges of border control. With the necessary investment and coordination, South Africa can establish a secure, modern border environment that protects national interests and upholds the integrity of its territorial boundaries.

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The app was unveiled at the school on 27 November 2023, with a training workshop to help Portland Block H Neighbourhood Watch members with installing the app, as well as registration and authentication processes.

BlockWatch leverages predictive analytics to enhances the user community’s awareness and decision-making by accurately predicting future locations of crime and violent incidents on a weekly basis.

The technology allows users to record incidents, including the location and timestamp for all observations made during patrols.

Other project collaborators include the Western Cape Government Departments of Health and Wellness, and Police Oversight and Community Safety.

The CSIR in its 2023/24 annual report said the pilot project will help assess the app’s suitability for determining the spatial patterns of crime and violence in the area and for decision-making in addressing sporadic flare-ups of incidents in highly volatile communities.

CSIR CEO Dr Thulani Dlamini said BlockWatch uses artificial intelligence to predict crime and allow law enforcement officers to be proactive rather than reactive. “The best solution we can have as a country is to prevent crime rather than intervening after a crime has been committed.”

He said BlockWatch will help law enforcement as well as neighbourhood watches to get ahead of potential crime hotspots in the country. After rolling out in Mitchells Plain, the CSIR hopes to scale up to other parts of the country.

BlockWatch is one of numerous CSIR initiatives to provide safety and security solutions under the Defence and Security cluster, which delivers integrated security solutions for private, public and civil sectors, and technology innovation to foster a robust local defence and security industry.

Civil security research and development offers command and control capabilities for crowd management; sensor systems for homes, businesses and critical infrastructure that enable authorities to identify and rapidly react to criminal activities; integrated security solutions for infrastructure security; and security solutions for the cash-in-transit industry, amongst others.

A notably successful CSIR developed project is its Meerkat wide-area surveillance system, developed to detect and intercept rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park – before they attack. The system uses a land surveillance radar plus radar-designated, long-range cameras with laser illumination for night operations. The radar detects and localises a moving target, and the cameras confirm detections as well as distinguishing between humans and animals. All components are locally sourced and supported.

The sensor system is self-sufficient and can be used continuously for months at a time at unprepared and unattended sites. This allows maximum continuous coverage over poaching ingress routes. The system is quickly moved by pick-up truck and/or helicopter. The system can be used in any large area requiring perimeter protection – including border safeguarding, industrial plant security and farm security. Its success was proven in the Kruger National Park, where it has been in operational use since 2017.

The CSIR developed the cameras for the Meerkat, including the Cyclone and Otus. Tyto is a lighter, smaller and cheaper version of Otus. Tyto is able to operate during the day or at night with enhanced twilight performance. It has a high sensitivity monochrome main sensor and thermal detection sensor. Range is around 5 km, compared to approximately 1 0km for Otus. RINO is a smaller version of Otus with similar range capability – it is far lighter and easier to transport. In addition to camera upgrades, Meerkat may in future be fitted with a new Ground-based Surveillance and Classification Radar (GSCR) developed by the CSIR with support from the Department of Science and Innovation.

Another example of a CSIR security solution is a stock theft application. The Department of Correctional Services discovered livestock losses of up to R250 000 per month from a farming project in the Eastern Cape so CSIR systems engineers rapidly responded with a risk assessment and threat analysis and developed a security operational concept. To speed up development, the CSIR worked with a local manufacturer of a perimeter intrusion monitoring system as part of the overall solution. The system detects movement through radar and video capabilities, using day and night cameras. After the first attempted intrusion was detected and thwarted, the theft ended.

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According to Craig Rosewarne, Cyber-Security Expert and Managing Director of Wolfpack Information Risk, the cyber threat landscape in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach. He explains that companies, governments, and vulnerable communities face different but interlinked risks. Companies are increasingly being held accountable for their third-party suppliers’ cyber-security standards, with large enterprises requiring compliance with ISO 27001 certification. South African banks, for example, have emulated the likes of Nigeria by setting high cyber-security thresholds before granting licenses to financial institutions. Yet, public institutions and local communities continue to be ideal destinations for cyber-terrorists due to the minimal nature of their IT investments, coupled with general lack of cyber awareness.

The government response to the situation is driven by Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). Tlangelani Manganyi, Media Relations Officer at DCDT, outlined key developments in South Africa’s National Cyber-security Strategy. Guided by the National Cyber-security Policy Framework (NCPF) of 2015, multiple agencies like the Cyber-security Hub and the ECS-CSIRT under the State Security Agency (SSA) are operational. While the Cyber-security Hub focuses on public engagement and education, ECS-CSIRT manages incident response and threat intelligence. The Cybercrimes Act, 2020, operationalised on December 1, 2021, further promotes this legislative framework insofar as consolidating cybercrime laws and thus introducing new offenses dealing specifically with the manipulation of data, digital messaging, and the abuse of networks.

Phetolo Phatsibi is a Media Relations Practitioner at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and spoke highly of the role technology played in the country’s strategy in cyber-security. The CSIR’s Information & Cyber Security Centre has designed a Cyber Early Warning System, which is an inexpensive device aimed at detection and prevention in the early stages of such cyber-attacks.

“Secondly, the Virtual Security Operations Centre under the same ICSC offers technical assistance and incident response to both the private and public sectors.

“The partnerships with the SMMEs form part of the bigger strategy by South Africa to enhance local cyber security capabilities and reduce overdependence on imported solutions,” Phatsibi said.

In the case of the financial sector, the stakes are higher. According to Ntshiki Maluleka, the Head of Media and Communications at the South African Banking Risk Information Centre, digital banking fraud is on the rise, with schemes like phishing and “Facebook fraud” causing significant losses for South African banks. Enhanced transaction monitoring systems have been implemented to detect unusual activity, and consumer awareness campaigns have been launched

to educate users about safe banking practices. However, Maluleka is the first to admit that consumer confidence has taken a hit, especially with social media platforms becoming a breeding ground for fraudulent schemes.

Private sector businesses are equally at risk from cyber threats. For instance, Gift Chawasarira, the Chief Financial Officer at National Funeral Undertakers Investment Company-NAFUICO, narrates how phishing scams and hacking into accounts have inflated the operating costs of his organization. Against these threats, NAFUICO has implemented general IT controls like access restrictions, encrypted devices, and system audits. Recently, the company hired a Chief Technology Officer to consolidate its cyber security policies and decrease dependence on external consultants. According to Chawasarira, the costs of cyber security disproportionately affect smaller firms, which have limited resources to manage advanced threats.

The Cybersecurity Hub has played a critical role in terms of public education; and it is led by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies which provides a number of the Ministry’s initiatives to gain in building cyber security awareness amongst the citizens. Amongst these interventions included the development of a Cybersecurity Schools Toolkit for teachers, parents, and learners according to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies Spokesperson, Kwena Moloto. This initiative aims at equipping young South Africans with the knowledge to identify and mitigate online threats. Further, the Hub launched a Cybersecurity Toolkit for SMMEs, in collaboration with the Information Regulator. This provides hands-on guidelines on securing business systems, training staff, and responding to cyber incidents.

The private sector response to South Africa’s cyber security crisis has been dynamic and multi-pronged. Companies are investing in sophisticated technologies such as AI-powered threat detection, biometric verification, and data encryption tools. Rosewarne further emphasised that training and awareness programs are very important, and Wolfpack Information Risk has provided cyber security training to a number of South African financial institutions and also some regional banks across Africa.

“Awareness is key to combating cybercrime,” said Rosewarne.

He further commented that vulnerable communities, in particular, such as NGOs and schools, are easily targeted as they usually lack the IT capacity to defend themselves. Wolfpack supports such communities with pro bono services and educational resources-including the book “Cyber Crime Self Defense”-which informs the public about the many different types of online scams and how to protect oneself.

Financially, cybercrime is seriously affecting the economy of South Africa. It has been estimated by the CSIR to cost R2.2 billion annually. A TransUnion 2024 analysis of suspected digital fraud rates in 19 countries found that South Africa ranked eighth, with 4.9% of all online transactions suspected of being fraudulent. The worst-hit sectors were in telecommunications, financial services, and online communities. Synthetic identity fraud, where fraudsters create identity using real personal information, has increased by 153% over the past year. In addition, SIM-swap fraud and phishing scams are becoming increasingly worrisome; phishing alone cost South Africans R200 million in 2023 — a 50% increase from 2022, according to SABRIC.

Fraud in public institutions has also exposed South Africa’s cyber security gaps. SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs incidents have recently shown just how vulnerable these kinds of organisations are to data breaches. Government systems, which can sometimes house a great deal of sensitive data, are, according to Rosewarne, being targeted in ransom-ware attacks. He said,

“It is an emerging threat, not only in the private sector but also in the public sector. The government is under immense pressure to protect the critical information infrastructure, as these kinds of attacks are growing in frequency and sophistication,” said Rosewarne.

Under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, some measures have been put in place to improve the cyber security framework in South Africa. These include:

Legislative measures

In June 2021, the President signed the Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Act into law. The new law brings in additional breach reporting requirements for organizations, as the country attempts to match global standards in cyber security.

National cyber security strategy

It has adopted a national cyber strategy and created a military Cyber Command, but for many years, competing priorities have rivaled it for the top spot: corruption, poverty, and racial injustice.

Challenges and expert opinion

Yet despite these initiatives, experts identify persistent shortcomings. In a report, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace describes the cyber strategy under Ramaphosa as “limited progress” and a “low priority”. The report suggests that foundational steps have been taken, but much more comprehensive and prioritised efforts are necessary to effectively address cyber security threats.

Furthermore, the country lacks cyber security experts, which hinders its efforts in effectively combating cyber threats.

The bottom line is that while the administration led by President Ramaphosa has taken crucial legislative and strategic steps toward ensuring cyber security, according to experts, more prioritisation and resources are needed to pump in if it is to meet the changing face of cyber threats head-on.

Looking ahead, proactive measures, collaboration, and capacity-building will define South Africa’s future on cyber-security. More comprehensive training will be rolled out by the government for law enforcement, South African Revenue Services (SARS), and other key stakeholders in a much-needed capacity-building exercise. International support from countries like the UK is anticipated to boost these efforts. Meanwhile, industry players are preparing for possible regulatory changes that would impose stricter cyber security standards, similar to those implemented in Kenya and Nigeria.

As cybercrime evolves; so must South Africa’s swift response. Strengthening public-private partnerships, enhancing education and training, and leveraging homegrown cyber security technologies will be essential. It is a battle that requires collective effort and investment sustained over time, but this commitment to the safeguarding of its digital future finds expression in the initiatives that are underway from its government, financial sector, private enterprises, and

cyber security experts. These actors continue to be guardians of the digital age and have to adapt continuously to innovative methods of protecting South Africa’s critical infrastructure against ever-evolving cyber threats.

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Hosted by defenceWeb in collaboration with the South African Aerospace, Maritime & Defence Industries Association (AMD), the conference aims to foster strategic collaborations between public and private entities to address pressing challenges in South Africa’s defence and security environment.

A Distinguished Career

Born on 25 July 1955 in Mqanduli, Cape Province (present-day Eastern Cape), Bantu Holomisa has been a prominent figure in South African politics and defence for decades. He began his career in the Transkei Defence Force in 1976, swiftly ascending to the rank of Major General and Commander of the Transkei Defence Force by 1987. Subsequently, he led a military government in the Transkei until 1994 when he oversaw the peaceful reintegration of the Transkei into South Africa, demonstrating his commitment to a united and democratic South Africa.

In 1994, Holomisa entered politics on the national stage when he was elected as a member of the National Assembly, subsequently serving as the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism from 1994 to 1996. Afterward, Holomisa founded the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and has served as its president since. In subsequent years Holomisa would serve on a range of parliamentary committees such as the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, as well as an alternate member of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, among others. These roles have provided him with a range of invaluable insights into the South African defence and security environment.

Upon ensuring his party’s inclusion in the Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2024, Holomisa was appointed Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans – a decision and role that demonstrates his political acumen and continued commitment to South Africa’s defence and security.

Bridging Public and Private Sectors

Deputy Minister Holomisa’s participation in the conference underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the defence sector. His years of experience, both in military and political leadership, positions him well to address the complexities of integrating private and public sector resources in order to meet South Africa’s economic and national security objectives, through creating a more resilient and responsive defence infrastructure.

The conference, organized by defenceWeb in collaboration with AMD, builds upon the success of its inaugural event in 2023. With the theme “Empowering the Defence Sector through Public-Private Partnerships”, discussions will focus on tailoring PPPs to meet the unique demands of South Africa’s security environment, fostering collaboration to provide vital equipment and services amidst budget constraints.

A Catalyst for Progress

The Deputy Minister’s address is expected to serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue between the government, public sector agencies, private sector stakeholders, and academic institutions. His participation in the conference signifies a proactive step towards fostering a collaborative environment aimed at empowering South Africa’s defence sector.

As the defence landscape evolves, stakeholders from various sectors are encouraged to attend and engage in this critical dialogue. The Public-Private Partnerships for Defence & Security Conference 2025 represents a pivotal moment for public and private stakeholders committed to enhancing the nation’s security through strategic partnerships.

Those interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Robert Mace at robert@defenceweb.co.za. Click here to learn more about the event and register now to take advantage of the early bird fee, available until 9 February.

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This was detailed by Sparcx Managing Director Sujo Mulamattathil, who was speaking at the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) Industry Day hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on 29 November.

The RTC system is currently being developed for a defence customer, although it could also be used in public safety. Mulamattathil said RTC systems often struggle to accurately classify targets due to several challenges such as clutter, noise, multiple targets and rapidly changing environments. This lack of precision impacts safety and accuracy.

Consequently, Sparcx is building an AI-based system to identify targets faster and more accurately, and is making use of expertise at the CSIR and Reutech Radar Systems to do this – funding for the project is being provided by Sparcx, the AISI/Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Reutech Radar Systems.

Mulamattathil said the next phase of development is size, weight and power optimisation, industrialisation, manufacturing, marketing and sales. The company’s business model is to sell its RTC system hardware with radars manufactured by companies like Reutech.

He added that a combination of radar and camera technologies to identify and better classify targets is being integrated. Use cases include farm security, wildlife monitoring, border security etc. as the system is able to tell the difference between a vehicle and, say, an animal or a human being.

Sparcx is a wholly black military veteran owned and managed electronic engineering company focussing on the aerospace, defence, and public safety sectors. It is developing several technologies, some in collaboration with the CSIR, to serve the African market.

For example, Mulamattathil explained that this year Sparcx has been developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automatic speech recognition system for an aerospace customer to reduce incursions/accidents at airports. Other projects include implementing less lethal devices for a law enforcement agency, and industrialising AI-based smart water network sensors to reduce leakage losses for municipalities and water boards (up to 60% of municipal water is lost countrywide due to leaks).

In 2024 Sparcx was chosen as the sole South African representative in a cohort of 10 businesses from Africa in Qualcomm’s “Make in Africa 2024” start-up incubation programme. It was selected on the basis of its RTC system.

Since its inception in 2015, Sparcx has developed a number of different technologies, such as a radio frequency measurement system for the government, and an AI-driven runway occupancy alerting system.

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What sets the 2025 conference apart is its exceptional Event Advisory Board, comprising distinguished leaders from diverse sectors. These experts will guide the conference agenda, ensuring insightful, impactful discussions that drive innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Advisory Board Highlights

The board’s unmatched expertise reflects the event’s commitment to advancing South Africa’s defence and security landscape. Members include:

• Advocate Vasu Gounden: Founder and Executive Director, Accord – A globally respected leader in peace and security.
• Wilhelm Janse van Rensburg: Research Fellow, Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa; Defence Researcher, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa – Bringing deep insights into security research and governance.
• James Kerr: Owner, Orion Consulting – A trusted adviser in the defence sector.
• Dr. Moses B. Khanyile: Director, Centre for Military Studies (CEMIS), University of Stellenbosch – Renowned for his academic expertise in military science.
• Kobus Marais: Independent Defence and Political Analyst; Former Shadow Minister for Defence and Military Veterans – Offering a critical perspective on defence policy.
• Sandile Ndlovu: CEO, South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries (AMD) Association – Spearheading innovation and collaboration in the industry.
• Dr. Mthobisi Clyde Zondi: Executive Chair, Sandock Austral Group Holdings – A strategic thinker and industry leader.

The combined expertise of this team ensures a conference experience that is both forward-thinking and practical, addressing the most critical issues facing the industry today.

Organisers invite interested parties to participate by submitting papers, with the call for submissions closing on Friday, 17 January 2025. Proposals can be sent to Ros Hinchcliffe at ros@defenceweb.co.za. Those interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Robert Mace at robert@defenceweb.co.za for more information.

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