Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi this week embarked on a mission to Finland, in search of the “best technology to serve citizens better”, he said on his Twitter page.
Since taking office in October, Lesufi has been vocal about the need to deploy technology-driven solutions to deal with the high levels of criminality in the province, among issues.
The premier has further suggested the provincial government will explore a number of e-policing solutions, including drones, e-panic buttons and a new integrated command centre.
During his Finland trip, Lesufi posted a video showing a 5G-powered streetlight pole, featuring multiple CCTVs, weather and air quality monitoring sensors, as well as loudspeakers for emergency evacuation.
As part of the fact-finding mission, Lesufi pointed to also “hunting for energy solutions”.
In addition, Lesufi and his counterpartVille Skinnari, Finland’s minister for development cooperation and foreign trade, signed a letter of intent, committing to seek partnerships in energy and ICT.
“The future will move ahead without us if we don’t start preparing for it, now. Technology is easy; the challenging part is the people and governments,” reads Lesufi’s tweet.
Last week, the Gauteng Provincial Government issued a tender for an “e-panic button that can protect Gauteng citizens and can be reliable”.
According to the tender document, the e-panic button must have features to assist quick response by police, ambulances, fire services and other life-saving services.
Earlier this month, Gauteng finance MEC Jacob Mamabolo revealed the community safety department’s budget will rise from R1 billion to multi-billion rands over the next three years.
Part of the funding allocation is to enable the acquisition of technological solutions to fight crime, such as drones, and the leasing of helicopters to enhance the visibility of crime-prevention efforts, said Mamabolo.
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