“South Africa is a key country in the area and is widely used as a stepping stone to other countries in Africa, especially in the southern part of the continent,” said Dr. Lukáš Kuna, Marketing Officer of GRAND POWER.

“We view it as a gateway to expanding our presence in the continent.”

Founded over 20 years ago, GRAND POWER has become a byword among the fraternities of gun fanciers across Europe and North America, renowned for durable designs and budget-friendly tags.

“We employ over 120 highly skilled employees in two state-of-the-art plants, and our underlying objective is to deliver robust and dependable products that meet the expectations of even the most demanding shooters,” Dr. Kuna elaborates.

A reputation forged in performance

GRAND POWER firearms have been awarded worldwide, for example, with medals at world competitions.

“Recently, we are very proud of our sponsored shooters, who gained a series of medals at the recent World Shoot 2025 in Znojmo, including gold medals in several categories like PCC,” Dr. Kuna explained, highlighting how competitive success reflects the company’s engineering philosophy.

What truly sets GRAND POWER apart in an increasingly competitive market is its pioneering customer-driven philosophy.

“We listen to our customers and go the extra mile to make their wishes come true,” Dr. Kuna said.

“Our firearms offer great value at reasonable prices, which is top priority for our customers in South Africa and southern Africa.”

Designing for African needs

Well aware of the particular issues of African security agencies and law enforcement, GRAND POWER’s flagship gun, the K100, has military service in its DNA.

“The K100 was developed by our CEO and sole owner, Mr. Jaroslav Kuracina, during his time in the military,” Dr. Kuna explained.

“It’s durable, reliable, and compatible with military and LEO gear, but easy to service in the field – qualities African security agencies like.”

Environmental adaptability is also a key consideration.

“Our entire range of products for this market are rigorously tested and NATO AC225 compliant and certified,” Dr. Kuna stated.

“We do the majority of our surface treatments in-house, including Tenifer treatment for steel parts and hard anodizing for aluminium parts, to make our firearms operable in South Africa’s varied environmental conditions.”

Although GRAND POWER has not yet secured contracts from security forces in South Africa, it is optimistic regarding the potential use of its products.

“Government contracts can be complicated where quality and price are not always the only deciding factors,” Dr. Kuna acknowledged.

“But we have positive feedback from other police and military forces, including US SOCOM, Cape Verde police, Greek Armed Forces, Slovak military, and Police Special Forces.”

Civilian and sport shooting enthusiasm

The popularity of GRAND POWER extends from military and law enforcement to civilian and sport shooting markets, which are vibrant in South Africa.

“We have only received positive feedback from civilian shooters and sport shooting enthusiasts,” said Dr. Kuna.

“Our guns offer extreme precision, are easily adaptable to individual preferences, and have good aftermarket support.”

The STRIBOG range, in particular, has been a hit with South African shooters, offering reliability and versatility.

“The STRIBOG product range is very successful in your region, and the X-calibur – our top-of-the-range model – is also finding favor with sport shooters,” Dr. Kuna said.

“At the recent HUNTEX show, we introduced new products like the ARAQ rifle, and we’re eagerly anticipating how well it’s received by the African market.”

Innovation based on AfricaniInput

The firm’s latest offering, the ARAQ rifle, is a reflection of GRAND POWER’s responsiveness to African demand.

“Our newest product – the ARAQ – was actually market-driven by this region,’ Dr. Kuna explained.

“A customer asked for a rifle in 7.62×39 caliber, using AK pattern magazines, which are widespread in Africa. We took it a step further, merging AR10 design elements with AK magazine compatibility to create a truly innovative product for the African market.”

This innovative approach is extended to all product categories.

“We believe in universality – tastes of African sport shooters are the same as elsewhere in the world when it comes to accuracy, reliability, lifespan, and user-friendliness,” Dr. Kuna asserted.

Looking ahead: Partnerships and presence

As GRAND POWER expands its African footprint, the firm is examining how it can expand local presence and after-sales support.

“We work hand in hand with our partners and representatives in the territory to maximize our customer service and render the experience seamless, irrespective of our customers’ distance,” Dr. Kuna highlighted.

Although there are no immediate plans for local assembly or manufacturing partnerships, GRAND POWER feels there is space for such partnerships in the future.

“There were such plans in the past, but at present, there is no specific plan in the pipeline,” Dr. Kuna confirmed.

For now, it is a matter of strengthening partnerships and expanding distribution.

“We always stand behind our products, and we do our best to provide the same level of customer support in every country,” Dr. Kuna assured.

As the African gun market further emerges, GRAND POWER stands poised to bring its Slovak engineering expertise to the continent – providing not just guns, but reliability and accuracy engineered for Africa’s unique requirements.

The post Slovakia’s GRAND POWER sets sights on African Market Expansion, introduces new products for the Continent’s shooting enthusiasts 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.

Securex’s longstanding collaboration with the American Society for Industrial Security — South African Chapter (ASIS International), the Electronic Security Distributors Association (ESDA), and the South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA) ensures the event delivers unmatched value to both exhibitors and visitors.

Also actively involved are the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA) and the South African Security Association (SASA), lending further credibility and technical insight to the event’s offerings.

“By working closely with the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSiRA), the National Bargaining Council — Private Security Sector, and the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), Securex creates a platform that’s not only innovative but also aligned with regulation and best practice. For industry professionals, this means one thing: you’re engaging with a show that’s in tune with the real needs of the sectors it serves,” says Mark Anderson, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group.

“Whether you’re in corporate security, emergency services, health and safety, or facilities management, visiting Securex South Africa and its co-located shows gives you direct access to industry leaders, networking opportunities, and insights that matter. It’s not just about technology and solutions — it’s about the ecosystem that supports them. From live demos to thought-provoking content sessions, Securex South Africa 2025 is where the future of safety and security takes shape,” he adds.

Added-benefit visitor attractions

Besides the thousands of solutions on display, Securex South Africa is populated with other visitor attractions that help attendees make the most of their time at the expo.

• SAIDSA Techman Competition — This competition sees South Africa’s top security technicians set up an alarm panel in a time- and skills-based challenge.
• K9 Demonstrations — A popular crowd-pleaser, these trained security dogs are put through their paces in a demonstration of their working capabilities.
• Drone Demonstration Area — See various drones in simulated action, providing a glimpse into various scenarios for enhancing security.
• OSPA Awards — The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) recognise excellence across the security industry, celebrating businesses and individuals who go above and beyond in safeguarding people and assets.

“Visitors can also spend their time fruitfully by sitting in on the sessions presented in the free-to-attend Securex Seminar Theatre (in partnership with SMART Security Solutions). The free-to-attend seminar theatres at the co-located expos also provide additional knowledge downloads for those interested in OSH, FM, or fire safety,” says Anderson.

Entry into Securex South Africa and the co-located shows is free. To find out more about Securex South Africa, and to pre-register, visit the expo’s website at www.securex.co.za.

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There’s good reason why Securex South Africa 2024 is considered Africa’s largest platform for security products and services. Here are some of the exhibitor offerings:

• The International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) (Hall 3, Stand E31) is dedicated to ensuring responsible, transparent, and accountable private security practices worldwide to reduce human rights risks along companies’ supply chain.
• MBRK (Hall 2, Stand F08) will introduce the Black Mamba Quad-E — the first electric mobility ATV designed for Africa.
• The free-to-attend Securex Seminar Theatre (in partnership with SMART Security Solutions, and powered by UNISA), has loads of trending security topics, including:
• The SA economy is struggling. What does the post-election future hold? By Dawie Roodt, Lesley-Anne Kleyn, and Johan van Wyk.
• Video analytics beyond security, by Natalie Doran — Lytehouse.
• Confronting digital and physical convergence, by Prof. Elmarie Biermann — Cyber Security Institute.
• OSH/E and security — a long overdue match, by Johan Rheeder — SafetyCloud.

There’s lots to see at Securex South Africa. Take in these events while you’re on site:

• K9 Demos in the Link Node.
• OSPAS Awards on 11 June in the Securex Seminar Theatre
• SAIDSA Techman Competition (running on 12 June in Hall 2).
• New Products Display (on the ramp leading to the entrance to Hall 2).
• Drone Display Area in Hall 2.

Register for free attendance here.

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The Facilities Management Seminar Theatre, hosted at Facilities Management Expo is an excellent opportunity for market professionals to extend their knowledge on current trends and regulations within the FM sector.

Held with the co-located Securex South Africa, A-OSH EXPO, and Firexpo 2024 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 11 to 13 June 2024, the Facilities Management Expo is the premier destination for facility and building managers seeking products and services to optimise the efficiency of their facilities and maximise employee comfort and satisfaction.

“We are excited about the diversity and depth of the topics at this year’s Facilities Management Seminar Theatre. We have several well-known speakers who will share their experience and expertise by tackling current industry challenges and their solutions,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group.

Johan Burger, vice chairman of SAFMA, said SAFMA regarded the partnership with Facilities Management Expo as highly beneficial to the FM industry.

“The expo gives those people working in the industry the opportunity to connect with not only the exhibitors who have a wide range of solutions available, but furthermore with SAFMA, as we represent their interests and assist them in staying on top of what’s available to assist them in their quest for products and services that will make their facilities run smoother.”

“There is a fine balance between maintaining a building to suitable standards, and staying within budget as operational costs continue to rise. Customers have bigger expectations in terms of service, regulatory compliance, and budget constraints. We believe that technology enables these three factors to be met, and the FM Expo is the perfect platform to drive this. In addition, the Facilities Management Seminar Theatre is a wonderful forum for visitors to get a front seat to topical issues in the industry,” he said.

Learn more at the FM Seminar Theatre:

Day 1 (11 June) focuses on ‘Energy management, smart buildings, building automation, IoT, integrated facilities management, improving building systems and services. Some of the topics under discussion include:

• Building sector energy in the age of decarbonisation, by Zadok Olinga — Oelinga.

• Solar power and its importance in FM, by Mel Barends — Bayete Capital.

• Sessions in the first half of the seminar theatre on 12 June focus on ‘All about facilities management’ and include:

• Advancing your FM career through education, by Johann Eiselen — Academy for Facilities Management. 

• PPPs for FMs by FMs — Getting down to the business of PPP’s for facilities managers, by John Samuel J — Maynard, and Wynand Dreyer — Project Dynamics.

• Facilities strategies to enable positive experiences, by Mel Barends — Bayete Capital.

The second half of day 2 looks at ‘Asset management solutions’, with one of the talks discussing:

• ‘The built environment — How do we keep up with developments in the field of asset lifecycle management?’ by Jan Myburgh — Engconomics.

The final day of the seminar theatre is entitled ‘Facilities management best practices, compliance, ESG and other matters’. Topics include:

• Facility management & competency, by Chris Coetzee — OHSS.

• Food waste solutions for facility managers — tailored solutions to suit your requirements and the needs of your clients, by Wayne Harpur — Urban Farms.

• ESG within in facilities management, by Mel Barends — Bayete Capital.

Pre-register online to attend Facilities Management Expo 2024: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/facilities-management-expo-south-africa-2024

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