As technology evolves, more and more businesses are turning to drones to enhance their security measures. In South Africa, in particular, where crime rates are high, security drones have become an essential tool for businesses to keep their premises safe. From industrial sites to commercial buildings and warehouses, drones are revolutionizing the way businesses protect their assets. In this article, we will explore what businesses in South Africa need to know about security drones and how they can leverage this technology to safeguard their operations.
Security concerns have led to a significant increase in the use of drones in South Africa.
In November of last year, the Gauteng Treasury announced a plan to allocate millions of rands to anti-crime measures, including purchasing ten drones. Similarly, earlier this year, the City of Cape Town pledged to invest millions to combat crime, incorporating drones, dashcams, and gunshot location technology.
The national South African Police Service (SAPS) has also adopted drone technology, as announced by Police Minister Bheki Cele last June. The SAPS aims to purchase over 150 drones within the next three years.
According to Sky Guard, owing to the growing popularity of drones, it is necessary for business executives to understand the requirements for a successful drone operation. CEO Matthew Gordon suggests that since running a legal drone service is a complicated process, most firms opt to outsource this aspect of security.
A report by Fortune Business Insights predicts that the global drone industry will experience an 18.9% compound annual market growth within the period of 2021 to 2028. The rise in drone usage is not limited to security concerns, but is expanding into sectors such as property development, mining, warehousing, oil and gas, and farming operations.
Gordon adds that drones protect property, important assets, and infrastructure, whilst swiftly responding to any threats without requiring physical encounters with security personnel. They can also collect evidence for further investigation. However, drone operation is strongly regulated and licensed operators must comply with all rules that manage international commercial aviation.
Running a commercial drone operation in South Africa is similar to managing a small airline with many regulations to follow. regular audits are carried out by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). To set up a drone operation, it is essential to follow a number of considerations:
- Plan ahead, keeping in mind that it may take up to three months to license and register a drone with SACAA.
- Identify objectives, building modular systems that tackle tasks as needed.
- Set a budget, taking into account the costs of pilot, administration, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
- Integrate role players, incorporating drones into existing security operations to keep everyone informed.
With these steps, drones can become a valuable asset in security operations, as they are often the first to arrive on a scene, they can be automated, and the aerial images they create can be used for marketing or to monitor construction progress.
Read: South Africa’s big push to use drones for security and border control
In conclusion, security drones are a valuable asset for businesses in South Africa, offering heightened security and improved efficiency. However, it’s important for businesses to understand the regulations and guidelines surrounding the use of drones in South Africa. By staying informed and implementing proper safety measures, businesses can reap the benefits of security drones and protect their assets. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important for businesses to stay ahead of the curve and utilize innovative solutions like security drones to remain competitive and achieve their goals.
