The DA-led Kouga Municipality’s new drone technology, the first of its kind in Africa, underscores its commitment to innovation, ensuring law and order, excellent service delivery, and an environment where the economy can thrive.
Today, 24 March 2025, I was joined by Kouga Constituency Leader, Dr. Vicky Knoetze MPL, and Kouga Mayor, Cllr Hattingh Bornman, to launch Africa’s first Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program at the Kouga Incident Command Centre (ICC) in Humansdorp.
[see pictures here, here, here and here]
This initiative in Kouga stands out for its integrated approach to personal safety, law enforcement, and emergency response.
Areas such as Humansdorp experience problems with gangsterism, abalone poaching is rife along the coast, while cable theft and vandalism of municipal property are widespread issues across Kouga. These drones will significantly assist the police in combating these crimes.
The DFR program establishes a network of drones for remote and independent flights, transmitting vital imagery to the ICC.
It enables live streaming of body cam footage and audio to the ICC, with drone support for real-time visuals and intelligence in imminent danger situations.
The drones will also assist in search and rescue, firefighting coordination, and municipal infrastructure surveillance.
From mid-May, a dedicated drone team will also monitor the municipality around the clock.
Improved community and personal safety have a ripple effect, creating a stable foundation that will attract even more investment to Kouga.
The municipality’s growing economy is a testament to its excellent service delivery and the implementation of effective safety measures.
Kouga exemplifies the successful implementation of the DA’s jobs and growth agenda, continuously demonstrating its commitment to enhancing safety through implementing and embracing cutting edge technology.
When we took over the government in 2016, Kouga was a broken municipality. Since then, the DA has put Kouga on the path to prosperity and will continue to deliver the DA difference to the people of Kouga.