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My Safe Space tech to set a new standard for safety in South African schools

As school-related incidents of crime and violence become more common in South Africa, the My Safe Space initiative stands as a beacon of hope, striving to transform schools into sanctuaries for learners and educators through the power of advanced, internet-based surveillance technology.

My Safe Space is founded by James Dalton, former Springbok rugby legend, in partnership with the James Dalton Group, Itec SA, a technology solutions provider, South Africa’s leading fibre network operator (FNO), Vuma, Vumacam, Regal Distributors and Hikvision. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive security management to address the prevailing safety challenges South African schools face.

According to James Dalton, My Safe Space represents a proactive, comprehensive and sustainable approach to school safety and security. It addresses common threats faced by learners and educators, creating a safer environment for students. From suspicious vehicle activity and loitering around school perimeters to common issues like phone snatching, bullying and general security concerns, My Safe Space can leverage technology to help bring an end to these problems.

Leveraging the latest tech for school safety

The technology includes a Guardian Column, the main physical structure that houses two Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and an AI-enabled overview camera that uses machine learning (ML) to identify unusual behaviour and alert vehicles of interest for state of alertness. Vumacam’s platform is also integrated with the software to provide data analytics, alerts, and emergency notifications sent directly to the school’s security group.

Michael Varney, Chief Commercial Officer at Vumacam adds that by integrating Vumacam’s advanced systems technology with the My Safe Space initiative, they are not only enhancing safety measures within schools but also contributing to a more secure learning environment for all. The goal is to create safer spaces for students and educators, allowing them to focus on learning and development without the constant worry of external threats.

My Safe Space rollout: #SaferTogether

After a successful POC of the system at Jeppe High School for Boys, Vuma provided free 1Gbps fibre internet as part of its Vuma Fibre to Schools programme. This initiative has connected over 800 registered schools to uncapped fibre in the regions where it operates. The system has effectively detected safety and security incidents and has been well received by students and educators.

Echoing this perspective, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Chief Commercial Officer at Vuma, highlights the broader mission of empowering learners. Making learning and educational opportunities readily accessible to schoolgoers is a fundamental aspect of empowering both learners and communities. Moreover, ensuring learner safety inside and outside school premises is crucial to achieving this objective.

By partnering with the My Safe Space initiative, Vuma is leveraging its fibre internet capabilities to support a system that addresses critical safety challenges in schools. This initiative allows them to make a tangible impact on communities.

Building on the success of the pilot concept, the ideal goal is to expand the system by up to 40 additional schools each month. Schools that join early will benefit from personalised support and will potentially have a greater impact on surrounding communities in their region.

While schools can either purchase the solution outright or opt for rental, lower-ranked quintile schools (i.e., ‘no fee paying’, government-funded schools) can benefit from the non-profit arm established by My Safe Space, which provides safety and security features to schools without a budget.

For more information visit: https://itecgroup.co.za/mysafespace/