Edited by Bev Mortimer – Kouga Municipality says it has launched the African continent’s first drone emergency response programme that will advanced drone technology to improve situational awareness, secure critical infrastructure, and for residents safety.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, was in attendance as was KM Mayor, Hatting Bornman and members of the press at the launch of the drone initiative in Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape this morning. The Municipality is a First Responder (DFR ) of a pilot programme from now until May, after which the municipality plans to have a network of drones across the Kouga.
The drones use patented software and are planned to handle emergencies across the municipality 24/7. The drone safety initiative integrates technology into emergency services. Equipped with high-tech drones developed by UrSafe Technologies, emergency responders can gain a real-time view of crises before personnel arrive.
UrSafe Technologies Director, Stuart Riddle, emphasised the game-changing role of drones in emergency operations and the DFR’s unique capabilities.
The drones are designed to bolster emergency operations, from accelerating search-and-rescue missions to combating wildfires and mitigating flood damage. The drones are also designed to bolster emergency operations, from accelerating search-and-rescue missions to combating wildfires and mitigating flood damage.
“While drones and body cams are not new, the UrSafe initiative stands out by integrating personal safety, law enforcement enhancement, and the ability to deploy drones as first responders under one patented technology umbrella. The DFR-programme envisions a mesh network of drones that can be operated remotely or autonomously, transmitting live imagery to the ICC to enable swift coordination of law enforcement and disaster management efforts.
“In addition, the software will enable drones to assist in search and rescue operations, firefighting coordination, as well as surveillance of municipal infrastructure via autonomously flown surveillance missions as determined by the authorities.”
Beyond emergency scenarios, the DFR-programme will also protect vital infrastructure throughout Kouga. KM mayor, Hatting Bornman says drone technology is not just about safety but also about creating an environment where businesses can thrive and jobs can be sustained. He said the KM’s emergency response capabilities will enhance existing pr0grammes and illustrate how technology can save lives.
KM says the drone initiative makes it the first municipality in Africa to test the innovative platform with features such as thermal imaging cameras, live video streaming, and GPS tracking.
Whitfield said drone technology is not just about safety but also about creating an environment where businesses can thrive and jobs can be sustained. “If we do not have safe communities, investment and job creation suffer. Every safety intervention contributes directly to economic growth,” he added.
