Clarity needed on access to data provisions
Vumacam, the leading provider of camera-based technologies, has on 25 February 2025 welcomed the City of Johannesburg’s publication of by-laws governing the use of CCTV in the city as a key step in making the city safer.
The proposed by-laws will support the creation of a database of all registered CCTV cameras being used within residential or private property which may have a view of a public space.
The City of Johannesburg’s approval of the CCTV by-laws is an important milestone in the development of technology-enabled security in South Africa, and a major achievement by the City of Johannesburg. In line with our ongoing support for effective regulation of surveillance technologies, we believe that clear, easily applicable by-laws can aid the growth of CCTV-based security systems, providing certainty to residents, law enforcement and users.
Although we have not been privy to the final draft of the by-laws, in our submissions as part of the consultation process, we have sought greater clarity from the City on the provisions around access to CCTV footage. This includes the right of private sector security companies to access data versus those rights for public sector law enforcement agencies. We believe effective access to data by all legitimate and authorised parties is key to maintaining the momentum we have already built in the fight against crime.
Vumacam’s camera systems, strategically deployed at key points across the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng province, and other key regions, have proven to be a vital tool in the fight against crime. This network has unlocked the power of seamless partnership between private security entities and public sector entities like the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Provincial Government, demonstrating what is possible when advanced technology and public safety initiatives come together. With enhanced surveillance and data-driven insights, law enforcement has achieved remarkable results, including increased interception rates, quicker response times, and the prevention of crimes before escalation.
In recent months, the initiative has contributed to a month-on-month improvement in crime interception rates, facilitating numerous successful arrests. In September last year, Vumacam and its partners reported the apprehension of ten dangerous criminals, in separate incidents, in a single day.
From its inception, Vumacam has employed strict controls on the data it collects, complying first with European GDPR standards in the absence of local regulation, and then South Africa’s POPI legislation once it was promulgated.
Vumacam look forward to engaging further on this important legislation and to continuing our important work with the City.
About Vumacam
Vumacam is a leader in technology-driven surveillance solutions, committed to making South African communities safer through advanced monitoring and real-time insights. By leveraging AI and data, Vumacam empowers law enforcement and municipal authorities to act decisively against crime, driving a safer future for all.
| Alex Bouche |
Soweto Sunrise News
