{"id":645657,"date":"2026-05-18T11:01:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T09:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/?p=645657"},"modified":"2026-05-18T11:02:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T09:02:31","slug":"south-africa-turning-into-a-private-security-estate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/security\/645657-south-africa-turning-into-a-private-security-estate.html","title":{"rendered":"South Africa turning into a private security estate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
A new study from researchers at the University of South Africa (UNISA) highlighted that South Africa’s private security legislation is not keeping pace with emerging technologies in the industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The research, conducted by Tladi Paula Maja and Kris Pillay, looked at how technological innovations were transforming the private security landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the increasingly adopted solutions specifically named in the study were artificial intelligence (AI), drones, biometric authentication, Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“These technologies collectively enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of private security operations,” the study said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“They also present complex challenges related to privacy, regulation, and skills and workforce deficits,” the study said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns raised over the rapid adoption of these technologies included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Privacy risks<\/strong> \u2014 There was an absence of thorough privacy assessments, especially regarding how the collection of biometric data affected individuals’ control over their bodies and personal information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Unconfirmed<\/strong> efficacy<\/strong> \u2014 Little empirical research or independent verification of the performance of the technologies to confirm that they were delivering their promised outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Economic impact not analysed<\/strong> \u2014 Few studies showed the return-on-investment or cost-benefit dynamics of technology spending in private security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Introducing new layers of inequality <\/strong>\u2014 Cutting-edge technologies are often concentrated in affluent areas, while lower-income areas remain underserved. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cybersecurity and system vulnerabilities<\/strong> \u2014 There was limited local understanding of the cybersecurity risks of interconnected digital systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Training and skills development<\/strong> \u2014 Many security personnel lacked the skills to properly use some of the new technologies and were at risk of being replaced by automation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The researchers said that industry discussions around adoption have often prioritised security advantages over attention to proportionality, necessity, and potential surveillance expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As private security firms continue to adopt digital systems, the limited development of formal ethical guidelines may raise considerations for civil liberties and mechanisms of public accountability,” they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The researchers found significant gaps in industry frameworks, particularly the outdated provisions of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA) 56 of 2002.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“While the PSIRA provides general oversight of the sector, it contains no specific provisions governing AI systems, biometric technologies, or drone surveillance,” they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing AI-powered video surveillance of public areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\nStreet pole with Vumacam cameras. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
One technology which has seen significant adoption in recent years is real-time automated video analytics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tech uses AI and machine learning to identify suspicious behaviour, anomalies, and to recognise faces and number plates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This technology can augment CCTV systems to allow for more rapid detection of criminal activity and emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past, these solutions were used primarily on private properties, including individual homes and access-controlled areas like estates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent years, the proliferation of crime has pushed the networks deeper into public spaces. One well-known example of this is Vumacam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company has a vast network of more than 7,000 street pole-mounted cameras across Gauteng, supporting automated license plate recognition and facial recognition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These cameras are scanning over 12 million licence plates a day and flagging tens of thousands used in criminal activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vumacam offers private security companies and law enforcement agencies access to closed camera feeds through its Proof 360 platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The system’s data has proven valuable in pursuing and apprehending criminals travelling across the province. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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