SOJO and partners roll out VumaCam SafeCity initiative across Johannesburg South

In the middle of last year, several stakeholders and businesses in the Klipriviersberg precinct expressed concerns about the rising crime and other bylaw infringements in the surrounding areas.

As a result, SOJO Business and Tourism met with Thaba Eco Hotel, Mall of the South, Aspen Nature Estate, Aspen Development Company, Balwin Properties, Panorama Shopping Centre, Imagine Church, and private property owners.

The consensus was to put in place a camera security network to help ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the precinct.

Nicky Vakaloudis, the CEO of SOJO Business and Tourism, said they and other stakeholders identified VumaCam as a partner for their SafeCity Initiative.

“The initiative combines private and public law enforcement and CCTV to combat crime. It is time to expand the network, close gaps where criminals can hide, and assist in protecting those who cannot afford to protect themselves.

“We are excited to see this initiative come to fruition in Joburg South. SOJO and Vumacam Security Cameras are being installed. Due to our introduction, the FNB Stadium precinct was the first to implement the project. Phase 1 is nearly complete, and we are preparing for Phase 2. This would not be possible without the help of our partners and stakeholders,” said Vakaloudis.

The benefits of the SafeCity expansion project include:

• closing gaps where criminals can hide

• helping to protect strategic and critical public infrastructure

• making recreation areas safer

• connecting private security and the SAPS through the Eyes and Ears (E2 Fusion Centre, based in Sandton)

• greater city-wide access for security providers to camera networks outside of their standard areas of operation to assist with crime prevention and investigations

• fast-tracking coverage to help protect the vulnerable and under-protected

SafeCity partners have access to over 7 000 VumaCam cameras to gain city-wide situational awareness critical to understanding criminal patterns and assist with crime prevention and investigations.

The initiative was conceptualised to offer a more densified CCTV solution across the City of Joburg.

VumaCam installed cameras across the city over the last few years to aid crime prevention and better people’s lives.

Although VumaCam has until recently had over 7 000 cameras in the City of Joburg, there are still gaps in the network that need to be covered.

SOJO, their partners and stakeholders have come together with VumaCam in a drive to close these gaps.
For more information, contact Vakaloudis on nicky@sojo.co.za