Government gifts the Kagiso elderly panic buttons
The Gauteng Department of e-Government has donated panic buttons to the elderly as a gesture for Mandela Day.
In celebrating Mandela Day, the newly appointed MEC for the Gauteng Department of e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, took time to distribute physical e-Panic Buttons to the elderly people in Kagiso.
The MEC alongside the department’s representatives were at the Kgoro Organisation Old Age Home in Kagiso.
The panic buttons are part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s efforts to fight crime in Gauteng using technology. More than 500 000 panic buttons will be distributed over the next three months to keep the most vulnerable people in communities safe.
According to the MEC, the panic button initiative includes both a physical device and an electronic version available for download on Android and iOS platforms called Gauteng e-Panic Button.
“This innovative technology provides citizens with a rapid and effective means of seeking emergency assistance, significantly enhancing public safety throughout Gauteng. It is an innovative solution designed to improve the safety of Gauteng residents. It allows them to instantly alert emergency services and law enforcement at the touch of a button, ensuring rapid response in times of distress.
“The initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage technology in crime prevention. Since April 2023, the Gauteng e-Panic Button pilot project has seen over 8 000 downloads, with most of its users being nurses and teachers, and moving forward, 100 000 physical panic buttons will be distributed to the public, while residents with smartphones can now download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store.”
Speaking at the event, Dhlamini emphasised the importance of community involvement and technological advancement in combating crime.
“The Gauteng e-Panic Button is more than just a piece of technology; it is a symbol of our commitment to protect our citizens. By empowering communities with such tools, we are fostering a collaborative approach to safety and security,” Dhlamini.
