Vumacam, a top surveillance service provider, today announced its partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG). This collaboration means that the GPG will benefit from Vumacam’s vast camera network and cutting-edge crime-fighting technologies.
Through this partnership, the GPG gains access to over 6000 cameras in Gauteng and additional partner cameras nationwide. With another 5000 partner cameras across South Africa, Vumacam ensures immediate alerts for any known criminal activity involving vehicles, even from other provinces, if spotted by cameras in Gauteng.
Moreover, the GPG and Vumacam aim to expand camera coverage to underserved areas, especially in Townships, Informal Settlements, and Hostels (TISH) regions.
“We believe that the alerts from our extensive network delivered through our world-class software platform, and verified by expertly trained operators will result in a new normal in the fight against crime in South Africa’s economic heartland,” Vumacam CEO, Ricky Croock says.
“The launch of our partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government builds on the success of Vumacam’s partnerships with public entities as we deploy our advanced technology to make the people of Gauteng safer. As we continue to foster collaboration to fight crime between the private and public sector through technology, we continue o invest in and grow our infrastructure and platform. This provides lifesaving and actionable intelligence in real time, to those that put their lives on the line every day. In this way we can all help create safer, smarter cities where people, businesses and tourism can thrive.
“We believe we can help South Africa become a safer place through the power of video and technology, delivered by a centralised platform that connects disparate operators, and that will become the de-facto standard in all control rooms.”
The Gauteng Department of e-Government is committed to leveraging technology to combat crime, corruption, vandalism, and lawlessness. As the driving force behind the 4IR initiative for the GPG, the Department will provide Smart integrated CCTV Cameras as a Service (CCTVCaaS) to enhance service delivery efficiency.
To support these efforts, Vumacam’s network will improve various services by deploying CCTV Cameras in the GPG. These cameras will help provide evidence to law enforcement, maintain public order, deter antisocial behavior, offer reassurance, and promote economic well-being.
Additionally, Vumacam’s locally developed Proof Platform ensures that only verified alerts are escalated, minimizing false alarms and enhancing security.
This partnership builds on the success of existing collaborations in the public sector, such as the Integrated Intelligence Operations Centre (IIOC) with the JMPD in Johannesburg. Through initiatives like the Eyes and Ears (E2) Initiative, involving Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS),
Vumacam’s technology has already made significant strides in combating crime. Monthly interceptions have surpassed 400 across Gauteng, showcasing the impact of collaboration between municipal, provincial, national, and private law enforcement agencies.
The Gauteng government has announced that it wants to work with technology companies and innovators to help fight rising crime.
Gauteng recorded 1 556 murders between January and March 2023.
Speaking at the Huawei Eco-Connect Sub-Saharan Africa 2023 conference in Sandton on Thursday, Premier Panyaza Lesufi warned: “If we can’t fight crime, it will be the end of us all in this province.”
He added: “We must ensure that we use the technology that is available and ensure that we push back crime in our province.”
Premier Lesufi implored technology companies to join the Gauteng government in the fight against crime.
“We need ideas. We need innovation to fight crime together and I am ready to put my last pound into the best innovation, the most creative technology in the country so that we can fight crime together,” Premier Lesufi said.
“We want your institutions, companies, whatever you have that will assist us fight crime, lawlessness, and corruption in our province.
“I am raising my hand. I am ready to do business with you, not tomorrow but now, so that we can change the status quo in our province.”
Premier Lesufi said a better, and safer, Gauteng was ahead.
