“Starting this year, 90 Rhino Monitors will be trained and deployed annually across Kruger National Park. They are not just protecting rhino. They are protecting livelihoods, family legacies, and the possibility of green jobs for a generation to come,” Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George said on Tuesday.

The Minister made these remarks during the official launch of the Rhino Renaissance Campaign at the Kruger National Park, which is grounded on 24/7 rhino tracking; biological management such as targeted dehorning; DNA tagging and genetic research; enforcement cooperation across provincial, national, and regional levels and, critically, resource mobilisation to sustain operations over the long term.

With South Africa currently hosting the Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, this campaign has been adopted as a G20 Legacy Project to rally global support, both diplomatic and financial, to scale this work.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, which runs to 30 November 2025, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.

“This work does not stand alone. We are fighting wildlife crime on every front. Our National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking is anchored in the Medium-Term Development Plan, the country’s roadmap for the next five years.

“This strategy brings together key government departments – including my department, Police, Justice, Border Management, Intelligence, [the] South African National Parks (SANParks) and the provincial conservation entities – in a united, multidisciplinary response. It also builds strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and communities on the ground,” George explained.

Tackling wildlife crimes

Fighting wildlife crime is one of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s six core priorities.

“At its heart is a commitment to a fair and sustainable future – one where our iconic wildlife supports livelihoods, uplifts communities, and strengthens our national identity.

“The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a fair industry for lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos — a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them.

“No country or sector can tackle this threat alone. South Africa is building strong enforcement networks across borders and finalising agreements with rhino horn destination countries,” the Minister said.

Government is engaging partners such as Interpol, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) neighbours to strengthen intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation.

South Africa’s response goes beyond law enforcement. It includes financial intelligence, anti-corruption efforts, and international diplomacy- because wildlife crime is deeply embedded in global criminal networks.

Decline in rhino poaching

As of the end of June, 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa this year – a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024.

“While any loss is too many, this decrease signals that our intensified enforcement efforts are starting to have an effect. June recorded the lowest monthly poaching figures so far this year, with 22 rhinos killed nationwide. Here in the Kruger, which is still a primary target for poachers, we lost 11 rhinos in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in February.

“These numbers are a stark reminder that the threat remains real and unrelenting. But they also show that progress is possible. Our rangers, enforcement teams, and intelligence units continue to work tirelessly on the front lines to protect our wildlife and hold the line,” the Minister said.

Through rhino dehorning, South Africa removes the reasons rhinos are being killed in the first place.

“Dehorning does not harm the animal. It saves its life. It buys us time – to restore numbers, upgrade security, and disrupt demand,” he explained.

The country is already seeing green shoots which include the relocation of 2 000 rhinos from African Parks to safe havens across the country; Munyawana Conservancy and others are growing populations through rewilding; cross-border work is underway in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana and collaboration between government and private wildlife owners in the Integrated Wildlife Zones has been enhanced.

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The 10-day operation, which ran from 15 to 24 April, saw 6 253 would-be illegal migrants detected — up from 3 841 in 2024 Easter period.

The sharp rise in prevention is the result of a sweeping digital overhaul of South Africa’s border control systems.

For the first time during an Easter period, the BMA deployed cutting-edge surveillance tools, including AI-powered night-vision drones, advanced body cameras, and smart monitoring equipment. The technology allowed for real-time tracking and faster interception of illegal activities, signalling a bold new era in border security.

“While we are still early in the reform process, the digital transformation of border management is clearly yielding meaningful progress,” said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.

“The success of Easter operations to clamp down on illegal immigration follows on similar improvements over the 2024/25 Festive Season, indicating sustained improvement in the efficiency of border management.”

The Easter season is traditionally a high-traffic period across South Africa’s ports of entry, prompting the BMA to scale up its enforcement activities annually. This year, however, the technological edge proved to be a game-changer.

“We still have a long way to go but the digital transformation of the border environment has set South Africa on a new trajectory towards secure and efficient border management. I congratulate and am encouraged by the enthusiasm with which digital reforms are being implemented by the BMA leadership,” the Minister said.

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The drones are equipped with some of the most advanced night vision cameras in the world, including thermal detection technology.

Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles. They can also travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas without access to GPS and even underground.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the launch of technology marks the biggest step forward for enhancing border security and management.

“Data shows that when we first trialled the use of drones over the festive season, the number of attempted illegal crossings that were successfully prevented, increased by 215%,” said the Minister.

He added that the Border Management Authority (BMA) will now permanently deploy this cutting-edge technology on a fulltime basis.

“Our message to would-be illegal immigrants and smugglers is clear. We are now watching the borderline during the day, we are watching at night, we can see your body heat wherever you try to hide, and we will catch you.

“As we roll out more and more cutting-edge technology, there are fewer and fewer places to hide for criminals who undermine our national security,” he said.

Schreiber explained that the cameras will be fitted to officials working in the port environment to detect and punish acts of corruption, while also monitoring the efficiency of officials.

“Importantly, the cameras are linked to a dedicated Digital Evidence Management System which ensures that all footage is admissible in court to ensure successful convictions.”

BMA Commissioner Dr Micheal Masiapato said the 2025 Easter Operation follows the successfully implemented 2024/25 Festive Season Plan which saw a steady increase of 5 084 251 travellers processed across 71 ports of entry.

“This plan builds on the successes and lessons learned from our previous operations, ensuring the advancement of robust mechanisms for safe and secure travel,” Masiapato said.

Heightened operations

Speaking at the media briefing in Pretoria, the Commissioner said that through the assistance of drone technology, previous deployments in the December-January operations were responsive and reactional to illegal movements.

“The increase in festive season movements prompted the BMA to officially begin with the Easter Planning Phase on the 1st of February 2025 through to the 14th of April 2025.

“The Execution phase of the BMA’s Easter Operational Plan will run for a period of 10 days starting from the 15th to the 24th of April 2025, during which period deployments and intensified border operations will be heightened.
“We are here to serve the citizens of the country to deter any illegality at our ports of entry and border law enforcement area without fear or favour,” he said.

Masiapato said the Easter period is traditionally characterised by a significant spike in the movement of people and goods across the country’s ports, placing increased demand on the BMA to maintain optimal operational readiness.

“During this period, families travel for religious observances, holidays, and cultural gatherings, while traders and transporters increase activity in preparation for the long Easter weekend.

“With the expected increase in attendance from the Zion Christian Church in Limpopo, more travellers are expected to move from our neighbouring countries into South Africa. These heightened activities bring both opportunities and risks, requiring a concerted and integrated operational response,” he said.

The BMA is undertaking training to equip eight officers to become expert drone pilots. They will operate the devices on a shift basis and will move around different ports in the country.

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University of Pretoria electronic engineering student Neil-John Lord, speaking at the recent SA Radar Interest Group conference at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, discussed the problem of wildlife poaching and described previous efforts at identifying poachers. These included the use of camera traps in the Pilanesberg game reserve and the use of patrols and other methods.

These methods were not satisfactory due to false alarms with the camera traps: wind moving trees, leaves falling in front of the sensors or the movement of animals. Of the useable 10 percent of data, only a small subset were poachers and not animals.

He said most motion-detection models were developed in urban environments, which did not translate well to the bush and the difficulty of operating at night exacerbated the problem.

A University of Pretoria team then augmented the camera traps with additional sensors including lidar and radar sensors to detect motion (such as that of poachers) at night. The added sensors could give the observers distance to target, velocity and other extended information (size, orientation and shape) of the target.

Lord explained that with earlier radars, a target was picked up as a single return. With the advent of millimetre band radar, numerous returns were received from the same target. The target points on the radar screen were further clarified by use of an algorithm to create a ‘point cloud’. This can be averaged to get a very accurate measurement of where the target is at a given time. But a lot more can be done.

Target tracking and target classification are critical problems in battlefield surveillance systems, Lord explained. Traditionally, military radars detected and tracked targets, but classifying them is a new development in the digital age.

In World War II, for example, radars could detect enemy aircraft, but could not tell the number or type, only height and vector (size and direction). Modern systems, using improved radar and digitised software, including artificial intelligence (AI), can separate out the height, vector and often, the general type of aircraft, such as a fighter, passenger aircraft, cargo plane, or a missile. The software’s ability to ‘classify’ radar targets can make all the difference to success in the battlespace.

Getting back to the poaching problem, Lord explained that the difficulty was that, unlike ships or aircraft, sizes of animals and poachers were unknown. He said that sizes varied drastically, from elephants to impalas, but both are animals. He pointed out that separate classes could be created for separate species, but ‘that could get complicated quite quickly’.

Lord and his team discovered that the main difference between humans and animals was that humans exhibited bipedal motion, giving a different radar return to animals with quadrupedal motion. Once this difference was fed into the radar computer, it could create two ‘classes’, one for humans, one for animals. Two possible classifications were created, one based on orientation, and one on size.

Lord said he hoped the findings could be incorporated into existing poacher detection and tracking systems.

Drone detection

William Bourn, representing the University of Cape Town, told conference delegates of the promising use of millimetre band radar, specifically Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar, to detect drones and small targets.

With the increased use of drones used by terrorists, armed forces and civilian troublemakers, such as those who disrupted air traffic at Gatwick Airport, London in 2018, drone detection has become a priority, he explained.

He described existing challenges as ‘teaching’ software with machine learning to distinguish between small objects, such as small drones and birds. While much work needs to be done, the study of millimetre band radar promises solutions for a host of tasks such as assisting civil aviation at airports, catching poachers or preventing terrorists using drones to reconnoitre or attack military or civilian targets.

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The event is scheduled for 25 February 2025 at the Pretoria Country Club.

The discussion aims to explore the latest advancements in Ukrainian unmanned systems and their potential to enhance security across Africa. Key speakers include:

• Denys Riva (Institute for Security Studies) – The Future of African Maritime Security: Threats, Priorities, and Uncrewed Solutions.
• Viktor Listopadov (SpetsTechnoExport Regional Director) – Insights into the Magura V5 Unmanned Surface Vessel.
• Mike Tkachenko (ABRIS) – The Role of UAVs on the Modern Battlefield and Proven Solutions for African Security.

With increasing security challenges across Africa, the discussion will highlight how innovative unmanned technologies can support regional stability, border control, and maritime security. Experts and industry leaders will explore strategic collaborations between Ukraine and African Nations in defence technology.

This event presents a unique opportunity for policymakers, defence officials, and security experts to gain insights into cutting-edge solutions for modern warfare and security challenges.

Developed in Ukraine, the Magura V5 is a multi-purpose unmanned surface vessel designed for a range of operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, patrolling, search and rescue, mine countermeasures, maritime security, and combat missions. The vessel measures 5.5 meters in length, weighs less than 1,000 kilograms, and can carry an explosive payload of up to 200 kilograms. It boasts an operational range of up to 800 kilometres and a maximum speed of 78 km/h. The Magura V5 has been actively utilised by the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) and has demonstrated significant effectiveness in naval engagements.

ABRIS is a Ukrainian company specialising in the development of full-cycle unmanned systems adhering to the highest standards. With facilities in Poland and Ukraine, in-house IT teams, and certified global operators, ABRIS provides comprehensive solutions tailored to diverse mission requirements. ABRIS solutions include certified full-cycle unmanned systems, dedicated facilities and services, specialised software development teams, and a fleet of certified operators and UAVs for global missions.

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Speaking at a briefing on Friday on the Border Management Authority (BMA) festive season operations, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the use of drones at five ports of entry on a pilot basis made an immediate and visible impact.

Schreiber said the piloting of new technology, including drones and body cameras, has demonstrated the power of digital transformation to secure and enhance border management.

“It is now time for the BMA to permanently acquire these capabilities, as we accelerate our work to digitalise South Africa’s port environment, including automating all entry and exit procedures,” the Minister said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

Schreiber commended the success registered at ports of entry to curb illegal activities.

“In previous years, festive season operations were characterised by fragmentation, lack of coordination and the inability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances on the ground.

“Thanks to the focus on coordination, technology and collaboration by the BMA, the number of attempted illegal border crossings by undocumented persons that were successfully prevented increased by 215% this past festive season.”

Operational successes

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the festive season plan was implemented from 6 – 31 December 2024 (the exit leg) and 1 – 18 January 2025 (the return leg).

In 2023/24, 15 924 undocumented persons who tried to come into the country illegally were intercepted. In 2024/2025, this number increased to 50 312.

Another 6 159 people were detected for overstaying, and a further 1 923 were refused entry due to fraudulent documentation or non-compliance with entry requirements.

BMA border guards, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), made 322 arrests, including 132 wanted criminals, and seized illicit goods that included R690 million worth of illegal cigarettes.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development assisted with the deployment of drones at Beitbridge, Maseru Bridge, Lebombo, Kopfontein and Oshoek. Forty-two pilots were assigned and effectively operated those drones across the five ports of entry.

The use of these drones at the five ports led to the detection of 2 188 additional people, who attempted to illegally enter the country.

“That is 2 188 people who would be walking among us illegally now if it was not for the use of this technology,” Schreiber said.

Furthermore, the drones led to 2 326 breaches in the border fence being identified and sealed.

Masiapato said prior to the implementation of the festive season plan, the BMA — an entity of the Department of Home Affairs — increased the human resource capacity at certain ports of entry and also extended operating hours at some of the ports, which do not normally operate on a 24-hour basis.

The BMA is mandated to facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of people and goods across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry, 52 of which are land, 10 are international airports and nine are seaports, as well as the border law enforcement area.

Cooperation pays off

Masiapato explained that during the implementation of the plan, the BMA collaborated with a multiplicity of law enforcement stakeholders, such as SAPS, South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force, Cross Border Road Transport Agency, Intelligence Structures, INTERPOL, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the Immigration Inspectorate of the Department of Home Affairs, the Road Traffic Management Cooperation and various locally based traffic authorities across the various provinces.

During the festive season, the BMA facilitated the legitimate movement of about 5 084 251 travelers across the 71 ports of entry. This number represents an increase of 51 680 travelers compared to the 2023/24 festive period.

The BMA processed over 395 189 private vehicles, 12 974 mini-bus taxis and 6 071 buses through the movement control system.

The BMA processed over 9 491 aircrafts through the international airports and about 660 vessels across seaports.

OR Tambo International Airport facilitated the majority of travelers at 1 065 636, followed by ⁠the Beitbridge land port of entry to Zimbabwe at 645 590 travelers, and then followed by the Lebombo land port of entry to Mozambique at 571 131.

Compared to the 2023/24 festive period, Lebombo experienced a decline of about 183 935 travelers.

Working with SARS, the BMA facilitated a total of 58 938 trucks for both import and export.

Out of the total number of  58 938 processed trucks, 47 891 were processed for exports and 11 047 were processed for imports.

Masiapato thanked the border guards and coastal guards, who continue to do their best in the midst of challenges and complexities associated with border law enforcement work.

“We are very hopeful that we will be able to get the resources and fully enrol the requisite technologies required for effective border management,” he said.

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BMA officers will work closely with other security agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Department of Home Affairs. This cooperative approach ensures that their operations overlap seamlessly with existing security frameworks.

The new drones will operate at various ports of entry and along border regions, providing tactical support for day-to-day activities. The procurement of these systems is a strategic move to enhance surveillance, safety, and operational efficiency.

The multi-rotor tactical drones being procured are designed to meet the unique demands of border security. They include:

Aircraft Specifications:

• • Maximum take-off weight of 2 kg.
  • Compact dimensions, foldable for portability.
  • Minimum flight time of 3 hours.
  • Capability to operate in GPS-denied environments and resist GPS spoofing.
  • Advanced anti-interference features to counter radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
  • Hot-swappable batteries and robust build for harsh environmental conditions.

Payload Capabilities:

• • High-resolution wide and zoom cameras (50 MP and 48 MP, respectively).
  • Thermal imaging with a resolution of 640 x 512 pixels and 16x digital zoom.
  • Night vision functionality with 2 MP resolution and 8x zoom.
  • Laser rangefinder with a measuring range of up to 1,000 km.

Additional specifications include a hybrid electric and gasoline engine, a flight range of 10 km, a maximum altitude of 4,000 meters, and a video transmission range of up to 20 km. These features ensure the drones are suitable for extensive surveillance and logistical operations.

The BMA has outlined a delivery timeline of 30 days from the date of order, with the drones being dispatched to identified ports of entry. Initial allocations include two drones each for Beitbridge and Lebombo.

The drones are expected to have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, emphasizing their role in the long-term strategy to secure South Africa’s borders. With capabilities such as license plate recognition, night surveillance, and laser scanning, the equipment will play a pivotal role in combating illegal activities and enhancing border integrity.

The procurement underscores the BMA’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to address security challenges, ensuring a safer and more secure South African border landscape.

The closure date for applications is 28^th of January 2025, for more information, the bid document can be found here.

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It is common cause that drones in all sorts of configurations play a key role in the commercial, security and defence spheres. Given the threat that enemy drones pose, the world’s militaries have developed technologies to counter these threats.

Stellenbosch-based Reutech Radar Systems (RRS) counts its latest RSR 610 Drone Acquisition Radar system amongst these technologies.

According to Anthony Green, systems and solutions specialist, the RSR 610 is a fixed-panel non-rotating surveillance radar for application against drones, ground targets, and small fast-moving water-borne targets.

“As an air surveillance radar it is effective against incoming drones and very low observable asymmetric threats, such as small boats and even humans, as well as conventional aircraft, and to designate such targets to a fire control system, which is then able to neutralise them.”

He explained that the RSR 610 comprises four panels giving all-round 360° coverage, yet has no moving parts.

“All the electronics are contained within each radar panel,” Green said. “It has variable detection ranges, offering sufficient reaction time for hard-kill and soft-kill solutions like directional jammers. Importantly, it was engineered for low probability of false alarms, even suppressing wind-blown vegetation clutter.”

While it boasts easy integration with fire control radar, the RSR 610 has a low probability of intercept thanks to the radar’s low transmitted power.

RRS has built an enviable range of other ground-based and naval radars for surveillance, tracking and fire control application.

“Our RSR 906 system can be deployed against ground targets such as vehicles and dismounted troops, as well as aerial targets and in coastal surveillance against sea surface vessels,” he said. “As an air surveillance radar, it can also designate targets, such as aircraft and drones, to a fire control system.”

This surveillance radar provides target designation to the lightweight and compact fire control RTS 3200, which in turn outputs high data rate tracking to weapon systems, such as guns or missiles.

“We developed the RSR-150 3D radar sensor for the protection of land vehicles, as it can rapidly acquire and track multiple incoming projectiles, such as rocket-propelled grenades,” Green concluded. “It can also detect and track enemy sniper fire, which is a significant threat in asymmetric warfare.”

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At the University of Cape Town, Dr Arnold Pretorius leads a team that exemplifies the spirit of innovation driving this transformation. His MechatronicSystems.Group (MS.G), though established only a few years ago, is already conducting pioneering research in drone design and applications. One of their most ambitious projects involves a drone capable of autonomously landing on a moving ship in rough seas, a feat that demands unparalleled precision in computer vision and control systems. Another innovation is their robust eight-propeller drone, specially designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, making it ideal for search-and-rescue missions or fire monitoring.

These are not just theoretical concepts; the focus on practical solutions from the team extends into exciting future projects, including a hybrid drone that seamlessly makes the transition from hovering like a quad copter to gliding like a fixed-wing aircraft. This combination boosts range and energy efficiency, addressing one of the main limitations of traditional drones. What’s more, they’re laying the groundwork for swarms of drones: that is, cooperative systems comprising several drones working together on tasks of great complexity. For instance, in operations searching for victims or hazards, speed can be considerably increased in extensive areas.

Shifting regulations

However, the development of such technologies is not a challenge that is purely engineering in nature but also somewhat regulatory. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has already made efforts to update its framework to include new drone technologies. The introduction of updated regulations, accommodating drone swarms and autonomous systems, has been a key step in this direction. But, as Sisa Majola, manager of Communications at the SACAA, points out, what the drone industry refers to as “autonomous” is better described by the regulator as “highly automated”. The distinction underlines human oversight over all operations of drones for safety in shared airspace.

Majola further highlights South Africa’s global leadership in shaping unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) regulations. By participating in international forums such as JARUS, South Africa is helping to establish best practices for integrating drones into civilian airspace. Moreover, SACAA’s on-going efforts to create drone testing corridors and sandboxes are fostering an environment where innovators can experiment with new ideas without jeopardising safety. These initiatives are crucial as the country seeks to balance the demands of rapid technological advancement with the imperative of public safety.

Drones and healthcare

Meanwhile, drones are revolutionising how South Africans approach healthcare in regions where traditional infrastructure is limited or non-existent. In remote and mountainous areas, where roads are unreliable or impassable, drones are bridging gaps in medical supply chains. VillageReach’s Drones for Health program has demonstrated the transformative potential of this technology in neighbouring countries.

Dr Olivier Defawe, who oversees the programme, explains how drones have already improved access to vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic samples in countries like Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The drones used in these programmes are capable of carrying small payloads over distances exceeding 100 kilometres, reducing delivery times from days to hours. By 2025, VillageReach aims to connect 400 health facilities using medical drones, improving healthcare for over four million people. The initiative also addresses broader challenges, such as training a new workforce of drone operators and developing localized infrastructure like solar-powered charging stations.

However, technical and regulatory hurdles remain. Battery life and payload capacity limit the range of current drones, while inconsistent regulations across African nations create operational uncertainty. In South Africa, progress is being made as local start-ups collaborate with international organisations to overcome these obstacles. By sourcing materials locally and training South African operators, these companies not only lower costs but also empower communities, making drone technology more accessible and sustainable.

Environmental applications

Drones are also transforming environmental monitoring, a critical issue for a country rich in biodiversity and natural resources. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is spearheading efforts to integrate drones into its Earth Observation programme, which traditionally relies on satellite data. By equipping drones with hyper spectral imaging and AI-powered sensors, SANSA is enhancing its ability to monitor ecosystems in real-time.

For instance, drones can detect harmful algal blooms in coastal waters, track illegal mining activities, or assess the health of forests with a level of detail that satellites alone cannot achieve. During disasters such as floods or wildfires, drones offer rapid-response capabilities, mapping affected areas and guiding rescue efforts. Dr Lerato Shikwambana, SANSA’s Senior Scientist: Global Climate Change, envisions a future where drones are seamlessly integrated into digital decision-support systems, providing actionable insights for urban planning, agriculture, and conservation.

In the realm of wildlife protection, drones are emerging as indispensable tools for conservationists. South Africa’s iconic landscapes are home to endangered species like rhinos and elephants, making anti-poaching efforts a national priority. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is collaborating with drone developers to create specialized tools for this purpose.

One such innovation is a drone capable of vertical take-off and landing, which can transition to gliding mode for energy-efficient long-distance flights. This hybrid design is ideal for monitoring vast reserves where poachers often operate under the cover of darkness. While current regulations limit beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, EWT’s Senior Conservation Manager, Lourens Leeuwner is optimistic that on-going partnerships will eventually enable broader deployment of these drones.

Leeuwner states that AI-driven drones offer even greater potential for conservation. By analysing data from cameras and sensors, these drones could identify poaching activity or track animal movements with unprecedented accuracy. Although legislative constraints currently limit the use of such systems in South Africa, advances in drone autonomy and machine learning are setting the stage for transformative applications in the near future.

Challenges

Despite the progress, challenges remain. South Africa’s diverse and often harsh weather conditions can affect drone performance, while the lack of infrastructure in rural areas hampers deployment. Furthermore, the integration of drones into airspace shared with human-crewed aircraft is a complex task that requires careful planning and coordination.

These same challenges, however, have proved an impetus to innovation: local start-ups are churning out hybrid drones marrying the agility of quad copters with the efficiency of fixed-wing designs and reaching out farther and staying aloft longer. By focusing on localised solutions, companies are tackling specific needs their global competitors often overlook.

For instance, precision agriculture has started to become one of the major applications for drones within South Africa. The AI-powered analytics allow the drone to help the farmers to optimize irrigation, find any pest infestations, and predict crop yields. Not only will this increase productivity, but also reduce resource wastage in farming, hence more eco-friendly methods.

Another hallmark of the South African drone industry is the spirit of collaboration. Partnerships between start-ups, NGOs, and government agencies are enabling innovative solutions to be developed that can address local challenges. This becomes particularly important in navigating the regulatory landscape to ensure that new technologies align with national priorities.

As drones become more capable, their applications in South Africa seem to be endless-from delivering medical supplies and monitoring biodiversity to combating poaching and responding to disasters, these flying machines are proving their worth in diverse contexts. Yet, their success depends not only on technological innovation but also on the collaboration between researchers, regulators, and the communities they serve.

The skies above South Africa are no longer just a space for aircraft; they are a canvas for human ingenuity and ambition. In pushing the boundaries of what drones can do, South Africans are pioneering solutions that may reshape industries and improve lives. In this new chapter of innovation, drones are more than tools; they are a sign of a future in which technology will serve humanity in very fundamental and transformative ways.

As the horizon expands, South Africa’s skies are bound to become a beacon of drone technology for the rest of the world. For every flight, a new possibility emerges, charting a course toward unexplored frontiers that hold promises of a better tomorrow.

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Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron highlighted that SITA has faced persistent issues in delivering the necessary technological platforms to support SAPS operations. Without addressing these challenges, he warned, the police service’s tech plans would remain unworkable, preventing the integration of crucial systems that could help combat crime more effectively. “The reality is that SITA has had varied challenges in delivering technological platforms necessary to capacitate the SAPS to effectively incorporate technology into its crime-fighting initiatives,” Cameron said. “Without factoring these challenges into the environment, the plans will remain unimplementable.”

In addition to the SITA issues, the committee expressed concerns over the lack of integration between key platforms used by the SAPS, such as the automated vehicle location system, global emergency mobile communication, and command and control systems. “Integration of these platforms will ensure that SAPS has the capabilities to respond to crimes more efficiently and detect incidents more effectively,” Cameron emphasized.

While the committee welcomed the SAPS’s plans to collaborate with local government agencies, including the South African National Roads Agency, the absence of clear implementation deadlines makes it difficult for the committee and provincial legislatures to monitor progress and ensure accountability. Cameron stressed that delays in adopting technological solutions could hinder efforts to combat crime effectively, urging that every effort be made to implement these systems without further postponement.

The committee also raised concerns about the lack of public awareness of SAPS’s mobile application, which is designed to allow anonymous crime tip-offs, video uploads, and the sharing of safety information. Cameron noted that the app, which could greatly enhance public cooperation in crime-fighting, is poorly known among South Africans. “In a country facing the scourge of criminality, such an application should be communicated to enhance information sharing,” he said.

The committee commended the training of 60 police officers in operating remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones) but stressed the need to expand this capability. Drones could significantly improve policing in densely populated and hard-to-reach areas, particularly in informal settlements where traditional policing methods are less effective.

On another positive note, the committee welcomed the SAPS’s initiative to explore body cameras for officers. Having advocated for this technology for some time, the committee believes body cameras will help ensure greater accountability and enhance officer safety, while potentially reducing civil claims against the police. The committee has requested regular updates on the roll-out of this technology.

The committee also acknowledged progress in the development of an integrated, paperless Firearms Control Management System (FCMS), which it sees as essential for efficient adjudication of firearm applications and tracking their progress. However, it urged the SAPS to stick to the project timeline and ensure that the system is fully operational by March 2026.

Finally, the committee has scheduled a follow-up meeting to discuss the findings from an oversight visit to the SAPS Philippi Training Academy, amid ongoing concerns over corruption at the facility.

As the SAPS continues to pursue technological advancements to improve its crime-fighting efforts, the Portfolio Committee on Police remains focused on ensuring that these initiatives are implemented efficiently, on time, and with full accountability.

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