Public safety agencies, from metropolitan police departments to emergency medical teams, leaned on Hytera‑built TETRA and broadband radios already embedded in their day‑to‑day operations. These systems ensured uninterrupted voice and data communication across transport hubs, protest‑risk areas, and crowded public spaces where response times shrink during large events.

Security analyst Thabo Makwakwa noted that the G20’s scale placed unprecedented pressure on frontline agencies, forcing them to balance routine duties with summit‑related demands. He added that the reliability of their communication systems allowed them to operate without the added risk of technical failures.

A Section Commander within NatJoints’ Operational and Support division, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said, “The G20 placed extraordinary demands on our frontline units. Every second counted, and seamless communication was the difference between order and disruption. Our teams had to manage routine policing while absorbing the summit’s unique pressures, and the reliability of the radio networks gave us confidence that coordination would not falter.”

“Global events of this magnitude expose every weakness in frontline operations,” said Mark Zheng, Managing Director of Hytera Southern Africa. “When seconds matter, dependable communication is not a luxury – it is the backbone of coordination and public safety. We are proud that our technologies helped South African agencies deliver under global scrutiny.”

Hytera has maintained a presence in South Africa for more than 15 years. Its radios are used daily by municipal law enforcement, EMS crews, and specialised conservation and anti‑poaching units. That widespread adoption has made Hytera’s systems part of the country’s everyday safety fabric – a fact underscored during the G20, where even routine operations came under unusual strain.

Globally, Hytera Communications Corporation Limited has built a reputation over three decades as a leading provider of critical communications technologies. Its portfolio spans two‑way radios, PMR & LTE convergent solutions, fast‑deploy communications, body‑worn cameras, and control room systems. The company supports users in more than 120 countries, including the defence, policing, and emergency services sectors.

While the summit passed without major incident, experts argue that it served as a practical stress test for South Africa’s emergency communication network. The ability of frontline teams to sustain operations through trusted radio platforms demonstrates, resilience of existing networks under extraordinary demand, the integration of commercial technologies into national security frameworks, and the quiet but essential role of communications in enabling broader defence and security objectives.

As South Africa reflects on the logistical and operational lessons of hosting world leaders, emergency communication, often overlooked, rarely celebrated, has emerged as one of the quiet essentials that ensured the summit unfolded smoothly.

The post Radios Hold the Line at G20 appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Pilanesberg transitioned from a basic, analogue two-way radio system to a state-of-the-art Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) solution by Hytera. Hytera’s partner Altron Nexus (now named Sentiv after a management buyout), donated a Hytera HR106X DMR repeater and Hytera H-series DMR devices equipped with GPS tracking as well as a Hytera Smart Dispatch Plus software platform to Pilanesberg’s Anti-Poaching unit, led by Field Ecologist Steve Dell, Hytera said.

“This represented a significant change because previously the reserve relied on ageing analogue radios that only supported voice communication, with a single repeater resulting in limited coverage across the reserve and no advanced features. Because of the analogue system and single receiver, there were parts of the park that had unreliable, or non-existent, communication. The DMR upgrade introduced a second repeater linked via a microwave connection that has resulted in seamless, reliable, almost park-wide coverage,” Hytera said in a statement.

Hytera’s H-series technology includes smart, automated features designed for fast incident response, including a Man Down Alert that detects if a user has fallen or is motionless, automatically sending an emergency alert and location to the control room. A one-touch panic button alerts with real-time location to ensure immediate support. Live GPS tracking helps teams monitor ranger movements and respond quickly when needed. Digital voice and data technology supports clear, efficient communication, including text messaging and voice recording. Up to 256-bit encryption protects sensitive communications.

Pilanesberg is a 56,000 hectare nature reserve with mountainous areas that previously lacked any signal for communications. This means that rangers in the park conducted 24-hour security operations under harsh conditions without the security of robust communication. This presented a risk, Hytera noted.

Since adopting Hytera’s DMR system, rangers have the security of a robust communication system. Hytera’s DMR system has assisted field ecologists and rhino protection rangers to obtain an advantage over poachers entering the park and destroying wildlife and the country’s natural habitat.

“Reliable communication is the backbone of effective conservation and anti-poaching efforts, whether it’s protecting rhinos, managing fires, supporting technical teams or ensuring the safety of our staff in the field or conducting air operations. Upgrading to a digital radio network has significantly boosted our conservation operations,” said Dell.

“The park is hilly with mountains and valleys, and the digital network has ensured almost-total coverage. Very importantly, it has enabled real-time tracking. Tracking is vital – if someone is out in the field, needs assistance or cannot talk for whatever reason, the control room always has real-time visibility. Anything can happen in very remote areas. If needed, the emergency alerts result in instant support, dispatching help to exactly where the radio is located. Importantly, using the system is simple and uniform. The improved communications have significantly boosted our overall conservation efforts and operations.”

Franco Stronach, Head of Indirect Channel at Hytera South Africa, said “Hytera is empowering conservationists in parks across the country, including Pilanesberg, The Kruger National Park, Timbavati Game Reserve and Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. It has been important for us to see beyond just the practical utility of the equipment, which in itself is world-leading. For us, the difference being made is Hytera’s embodiment of social responsibility, a business priority to make a meaningful impact in a sector of the country that holds special cultural significance.”

The post Pilanesberg National Park turns to technology to counter poachers appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

These public safety agencies previously relied solely on a third party provincial TETRA radio network for their communications, but the lack of maintenance on this TETRA network impacted on the operations due to frequent dead zones which compromised officer communication and public safety, Hytera said in a statement.

To address the coverage blackspots and limited functionality in the existing system, Hytera deployed its PTC680 multi-mode advanced radios, which integrate TETRA and LTE networks in a single device.  “This approach fits the trend in communication technology alongside more traditional radio technology so that officers can communicate in areas where there is no radio coverage. When an officer roams outside the area of coverage, the radio will automatically and seamlessly switch between networks without the user having to manually change anything,” said senior spokesperson for Hytera South Africa, Cedric Mark Rigney.

The solution was also designed with cost-efficiency in mind. Hytera augmented and improved what the agencies already had, with a 3G or LTE network as a fallback. Now, this hybrid approach allows police, fire and ambulance personnel to stay connected with their colleagues and the control room, he added, thereby protecting the investment into narrowband.

With LTE, officers can even stream video back to the police control room to enhance situational awareness and improve decision-making. Similarly, paramedics can stream footage of a patient to doctors and other medical professionals for expert advice.

This has been a big win from the project, explained Rigney. “If, for example, there’s a cash-in-transit heist that resulted in a vehicle accident, different teams need to respond in a coordinated manner. So, they might need to dispatch an ambulance or fire truck, in addition to traffic personnel to manage any traffic congestion caused by the incident.”

The devices are also GPS-enabled, allowing a dispatcher to see the location of everyone and send the closest personnel to the incident. Should a citizen call in an incident, the dispatcher can quickly assign the closest officer and then monitor how far away help is. Much like your Uber app allows you to ‘watch’ your order in real time, the dispatcher can now track the first responder’s progress and then feed that information back to the person who reported the incident. This enables commanders and supervisors to manage their resources more efficiently and coordinate a response to any incident or emergency more quickly.

For the JMPD and EMS, this data is invaluable to improve service delivery, said Rigney. “Being able to accurately track things like how long it took for a dispatcher to close an incident, or how long it took for the person to reach the scene, it’s possible to identify where we are falling short and come up with strategies to improve the level of service we deliver,” Rigney continued.

“Emergency service professionals should be focused on saving lives, not battling communication challenges,” said Rigney. “With this project, we are not only solving operational pain points — we are helping create a safer, more responsive city for everyone in Johannesburg.”

The post Hytera supports communication upgrade for Johannesburg police and emergency services appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

A Strategic Shift in Perception and Presence

Hytera’s recent summit in South Africa marked a significant turning point for the company’s image in the region. For the first time, the firm brought its global summit to African soil, aiming not just to showcase its technology, but to shift perceptions of South Africa among international stakeholders.

“It was very successful,” said Zheng. “From the feedback we received from partners, distributors and customers, there was a real sense of satisfaction. Many of our foreign colleagues had reservations about coming here, largely because of outdated perceptions about safety and infrastructure. But this visit changed minds. That is a win for Hytera and a win for South Africa,” he added.

Hytera used the event to signal its long-term commitment to the region. According to Zheng, local industry and government representatives were encouraged to see the company’s direct engagement. “It showed our willingness to invest, to be part of the development of the region, rather than simply selling into it,” he explained.

A Decentralised Model for a Diverse Region

While many technology firms treat South Africa as a centralised hub for the continent, Hytera has adopted a more nuanced model. It combines a strong South African base with local offices and distributed leadership in countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, Angola and Botswana.

“This is what we call a mixed architecture approach,” explained Zheng. “In our technology, we differentiate between centralised and distributed systems. We have applied the same philosophy to our business operations. South Africa remains important, but other countries in the region are equipped to operate independently, with local intelligence and support.”

This model is particularly suited to Africa’s highly fragmented geography and infrastructure. Rather than relying entirely on Johannesburg or Cape Town, Hytera aims to build capacity closer to the end users.

Crime and the Technology Gap

One of the starkest issues Zheng highlighted was the gap between South Africa’s security needs and the tools currently available to frontline officers. “Public safety is still hampered by outdated technology,” he said. “Many police stations rely on analogue radios. In one instance, I found only one working radio for an entire team of twenty officers. That is simply not workable.”

He stressed that modern, mission-critical communications systems are not luxuries, but necessities. “These systems provide group communication, instant alerts and seamless coordination. They are essential for emergency response. Relying on WhatsApp or mobile phones is neither secure nor efficient,” he added.

Hytera has already begun introducing body-worn cameras and digital radio systems to various forces across Southern Africa. “Zimbabwean police have adopted our body cameras, and we are in discussions with the South African Police Service and municipalities. These devices are not just for recording, they provide live streaming, enabling central command centres to support and guide officers in real time,” he noted.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence

Hytera is also pushing ahead with artificial intelligence in its solutions, particularly in its Integrated Command and Control, ICC, platform. “AI helps reduce response times and makes dispatching more intelligent,” Zheng explained. “For instance, in an emergency, the system can visually map available resources and identify who is closest, who has the right skills, and how best to respond.”

While Zheng admits this is still an emerging capability, he insists the direction is clear. “It is not perfect yet, but it is the future. We need to reduce reliance on slow, manual processes and empower our public safety teams with fast, accurate, actionable data.”

Building Skills, Not Just Systems

Technology is only part of the equation. For Zheng, investing in people is just as critical. “There is a real shortage of technical skills in mission-critical communication across Africa,” he said. “That is why we have launched the Hytera Empowerment Initiative.”

This includes free and certified training for partners, resellers and engineers. “We have already certified over 150 engineers in South Africa. And this is not just handing out attendance certificates, these are real, demanding certifications. We want quality over quantity,” he stressed.

Zheng pointed out that local support and service standards in South Africa still lag behind countries like China. “In China, people will not tolerate internet outages of even an hour. Here, I once went without electricity for a week due to an administrative error. We cannot accept that. Hytera is trying to improve service delivery wherever we operate.”

Manufacturing Ambitions on Hold

Asked whether Hytera plans to set up manufacturing or R&D in South Africa, Zheng was blunt. “We considered it, but it requires a strong local partner. We are not a direct-to-market company, we work through distributors. So unless we find the right fit, it remains a pending opportunity. It is frustrating, but we won’t compromise.”

Who is Buying, and Why

Public safety remains Hytera’s largest market segment, but there is growing interest across multiple sectors. “Transport, utilities, municipalities, even scientific organisations like the Square Kilometre Array, these are all users of our systems,” Zheng said. “We have a large market share in forestry, parks, logistics, and middle-tier security. Even though our products are cost-effective, they are often so reliable that customers do not need replacements for years. Some resellers actually complain about that. It is a good problem to have.”

Tackling Cybersecurity from the Ground Up

In a region increasingly targeted by cyber threats, Zheng was adamant that Hytera’s technology is built for resilience. “These are not your average networks,” he stated. “They are separate from the public internet, often with military-grade encryption. Devices must be authenticated before connecting, and communication is end-to-end encrypted. So far, we have not seen any cyber breaches in our systems.”

Regulatory Red Tape and the Move to Cellular

While Hytera has had generally smooth relations with regulators, Zheng did highlight one concern. “Some customers find it difficult or slow to obtain frequency allocations. This is a bottleneck,” he admitted. “As a result, many commercial clients are shifting from owning infrastructure to using push-to-talk over cellular, PoC, which operates on mobile networks and avoids licensing hurdles.”

This trend reflects a broader shift from capital expenditure to operating expenditure models. “Just like no one builds their own mobile network to use a smartphone, businesses increasingly prefer to subscribe to communication services rather than invest in costly hardware,” Zheng said.

Reaching Remote Areas Without Infrastructure

Africa’s infrastructure gaps pose significant challenges, but Zheng remains optimistic. “We have solutions that work in these conditions,” he explained. “For example, our repeaters can operate without fibre or microwave links. We have also engineered equipment to run on low voltage, essential for solar-powered sites.”

Such innovations, while technical, make a huge difference in rural deployment. “This is the kind of engineering we pride ourselves on, practical, grounded, and focused on real-world use.”

The Road Ahead, Integration, Not Isolation

Looking to the future, Zheng believes the most important development is the integration of systems. “People talk about smart cities, but what does that really mean? It means everything must work together, CCTV, sensors, radios, dispatch. Like the human body, you need eyes, ears, a brain, and the ability to act. That is what our integrated command and control systems offer.”

Hytera is already demonstrating these systems in their experience centres, inviting partners and government departments to explore what a truly connected safety infrastructure looks like.

Zheng concluded with a comparison to his homeland. “In China, you can use one app like WeChat to do everything, from communication to banking to public services. That level of integration is what we aim to bring to public safety in Africa.”

“But we need to be practical. South Africa and the region have unique challenges. That is why we adapt, localise, and invest, not just in technology, but in people.”

The post Interview: Mark Zheng, Managing Director of Hytera Southern Africa, Pushing for Safer, Smarter African Cities appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Yelin Jiang, CEO at Hytera, said at the summit that the global leader in professional communications technologies and solutions, with 90 offices worldwide serving 120 countries, chose South Africa because of the strides made in the country, as well as Hytera’s significant progress in the South African market, particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town. This, he said, made South Africa a successful choice, especially for first-time African visitors who came to the Summit to learn about the cutting-edge strides made in the field of communications.

Mark Zheng, Managing Director for Hytera Southern Africa, echoed those sentiments, referencing key South African case studies that were showcased at the summit. He says public safety stands poised to receive a significant boost. “Dedicated professionals throughout South Africa stand poised for immediate response, ensuring safety across diverse landscapes through reliable communication technologies, including mission-critical push-to-talk, video dispatch, and real-time location awareness. These innovations enhance accessibility and impact. In critical moments, swift and reliable communication is paramount, enabling effective action and safety,” he says. 

Mark Zheng says Hytera is also investing in a training academy and technical certification in the country. “Training programmes in South Africa include online learning, bi-weekly webinars, specialised certification training, and customised sessions, along with the inaugural 2025 Technical Competition. E-learning is facilitated on the Hytera partner portal which offers integrated solutions and management capabilities – we have seen a 79.8% pass rate to date with over 100 engineers receiving certificates as expert technicians,” he says.

He says that in addition to public safety, the Summit also looked at the mining sector. Mark Zheng says: “There are a number of challenges inherent in a mining environment, encompassing above-ground and underground operations, dust-laden environments, signal refraction, and interference. Worker safety remains paramount, alongside the increasing demand for integrated voice, data, and video communications.”

He says that delegates at the Summit were shown that prior to technology selection, it is pertinent to understand the contemporary trends within the mining industry. “These include the proliferation of IoT sensors, necessitating comprehensive system monitoring and control across expansive sites. Reliable backhaul connectivity for data is crucial. Scalable infrastructure is imperative to accommodate the addition of new systems as mines evolve. Furthermore, there is heightened scrutiny concerning environmental, social, and governance factors, necessitating improved worker safety and reduced emissions. Critical voice communication remains essential for emergency dispatch. The industry’s trajectory toward automation necessitates real-time data and video transmission, supported by a robust network. These factors collectively drive the digital transformation of modern mining operations.

“Case studies we shared, such as the Anglo American Kolomela Mine project, demonstrate the efficacy of Hytera solutions. In this instance, a Hytera TETRA system replaced legacy PMR equipment, resolving signal interference and congestion issues. The new system enhanced uptime and provided seamless integration with the existing infrastructure.”

Mark Zheng explains that each mining environment is unique, and that this is where specialised support needs to land on a solution that’s right for each context. “For example, DMR offers affordability, TETRA ensures safety and mission-critical capabilities, and LTE provides high data capacity. Hytera believes the future encompasses converged solutions.”

Looking ahead

Stanley Song, Vice President of Hytera, officially introduced the Hytera Secure Efficient Intelligent System (HySEIS) during the summit, marking a key milestone in Hytera’s innovation journey. He says that the Summit afforded Hytera the opportunity to formally launch new products and services that he believes will provide critical support for key sectors in Africa, including public safety, mining, game farms, utilities and more.

“HySElS is a self-developed smart safety management system that we launched at the Summit. HySElS creates a safe and smart technology ecosystem to support more efficient, more intelligent, and safer communications,” he says.

He explains that HySEIS is designed to establish a tri-layered architecture that connects users, terminals, and backend management. “By integrating innovative technologies, high-quality products, and a strong sense of social responsibility, HySEIS showcases Hytera’s multidimensional technological competitiveness — delivering a green, secure, efficient, and intelligent experience. Ultimately, HySEIS aims to deliver safer product services, higher operational efficiency, and a smarter, more convenient user experience.”

He says that this follows hot on the heels of the business’s launch at the end of April of version 2.5 of its Commercial AP and BP series, representing an exciting moment for radio technology. “A primary focus of this update is to enhance the receiver sensitivity and overall interference rejection capabilities of these radios. By incorporating new, cutting-edge technology and a redesigned antenna system, we have successfully increased the communication distance achievable with these devices. Beyond range improvements, this version 2.5 also introduces highly anticipated features. Notably, for our S-series commercial radios, we have implemented a channel copy functionality, designed to streamline and simplify the often time-consuming process of radio programming,” he explains. 

Stanley Song adds that Hytera is transitioning from primarily transactional models to service-based models. He says this shift allows customers to procure services and capabilities rather than purchasing equipment outright. “We are introducing five key service-based models: Software as a Service (SaaS), managed services, terminal rental or leasing, enhanced maintenance contracts, and hybrid models that combine transactional and service-based approaches,” he says. 

Another exciting development is Hytera’s Robot Dog, which offers impressive capabilities. “For extended operations, it features Hytera’s deployable communications, video, and AI capabilities on the quadruped robot platform. It is exciting to note that equipped with powerful facial recognition, the robot dog can autonomously patrol designated areas, identify known suspects, trigger alerts to a central command station, and even enable one-way emergency broadcasts if needed… Powered by AI, this integrated solution can assist public safety agencies in addressing potential risks early on. It enables faster responses and allows for proactive intervention before a problem escalates into a full-blown crisis,” he explains.

All in all, explains Stanley Song, Africa is poised to enjoy a significant boost in mission-critical communications. “The Summit was a success and we are ecstatic to continue our great friendship with the continent and bring more of our technology to more important players across industries,” he says. 

The post Hytera’s successful summit in SA signals breakthrough in professional communication technologies in Africa appeared first on ProtectionWeb.