Security conference showcases latest security trends

A trendsetter forum in the security sector, Securex South Africa 2024 will take place from May 28 to 30, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, alongside the colocated A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, and Firexpo 2024.

Not only does Securex South Africa afford visitors the opportunity to see, and in some cases touch, the latest security technology, but the Securex Seminar Theatre is full of discussions on trends within the industry.

Several papers presented at the 2023 Securex Seminar Theatre were notable for their ability to pique delegates’ interest, answer questions, and provide solutions for some of the challenges faced by security professionals and risk managers.

“When we are putting together the Securex Seminar Theatre programme, we enlist the help and input of security industry manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and the security media to tackle topics that we believe will stimulate interest and meet the pressing needs of our visitors,” says Specialised Exhibitions portfolio director Mark Anderson.

Something for Everyone

For example, in their talk on ‘Distributed Acoustic Sensing’, Tech4IR members Andreas Matthee and Mark Horton discussed the use of technology based on Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry, which is similar to the time-of-flight principle or radar.

Guardian Eye member Rodney Taylor meanwhile outlined ‘The use of AI, Machine Learning and Data Analytics for Security and Cybersecurity’. His presentation highlighted how cutting-edge video analytics can transform all camera streams into a single feed of intelligent alerts that automatically notify the control room with 10 second verification videos.

Institute for Security Studies Crime and Justice Information Hub manager Lizette Lancaster unpacked South African Police Service (Saps) crime statistics, indicating that there has been a 62% increase in murders over the past 11 years, and a 32% increase in aggravated robberies over the same period. She proposed several suggestions to help business engage with the Saps to combat these rising crime numbers.

TTE-Europe’s Frank Hirthammer spoke about ‘Challenges in Implementing Explosives Tracking and Tracing Solutions for Manufacturers and End-Users’. He said that the introduction of legal regulations on the tracking and tracing of explosives in South Africa demonstrates the commitment to enhancing safety in using explosives.

By implementing track and trace systems, the government aims to monitor and control the movement of explosives, ensuring their proper handling, storage and disposal. These regulations play a crucial role in preventing illegal activities, enhancing security measures, and mitigating risks associated with using of explosives.

Further, Africa Drone Kings’ Andrew Mokotoko delivered an “in-depth” presentation on drones for security in which he highlighted how they are proving extremely useful as an aid to alarm verification, automated response, patrolling and surveillance, data sharing and analysis, as well as incident response.

“We would like to encourage suppliers of security technology and services to consider the benefits of securing an exhibition stand at Securex South Africa 2024.

“The expo provides the unmatched opportunity for companies to increase their brand exposure on a large scale to a wide and diverse target market seeking high-quality security solutions. Visitors hold the expo in high esteem because of its ability to share the latest technology and regulatory trends all under one roof,” Anderson enthuses.