Africa-Press – Botswana. Government is modernising security, fire and emergency management systems through smart and data-driven technologies.
Speaking at the Botswana Security and Fire Summit in Gaborone, acting Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting said such initiatives as safer cities, where surveillance systems had been piloted in urban areas, resulted in improved response time by 30 per cent but more could be achieved. She further said fire services, regardless of geographical location, must be equipped with drone-based early detection and response capabilities, particularly in wildlife-prone areas where timely interventions could mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. Ms Mophuting encouraged the private sector and tech developers to work alongside government to create solutions that protected modern infrastructure and traditional settlements.
“Let us co-design systems that strengthen not only detection, but also response and recovery systems that save lives,” she said and explained that security was not a top down approach, but should begin in communities, schools, neighbourhood meetings and in the trust between citizens and public servants.
Ms Mophuting said such was the reason government proposed Safe villages, Strong Nation initiative, a practical framework that brought youth together, local leaders and families to establish community safety hubs.
“We must become one another’s keeper, standing guard shoulder to shoulder for the safety of all. When communities are empowered to co-own their safety, we lay the foundation for a society where security is sustainable and inclusive,” she said.
She also pointed out that a modern security sector was one that was ethical, inclusive and grounded in public trust, saying it should be able to create more space for women, young professionals and undeserved communities to contribute meaningfully. She said professionalism, diversity and integrity were neither optional nor negotiable for the sector, hence government supported the idea of launching of Botswana Security Excellence Academy.
Ms Mophuting also viewed the Botswana Security and Fire Summit as more than a display of tools and technology but a shared mission to safeguard lives, protect national assets and build a more secure and inclusive Botswana. Ms Mophuting further said regional and global collaboration remained key as Botswana’s commitment to peace and security extended beyond the borders.
Participation in SADC frameworks must be strengthened, enhance cross border intelligence sharing and prepare for the security implications of growing regional trade and mobility, she said, adding that no security was immune to cyber threats, trafficking or environmental disasters. “Solidarity must guide our strategies and knowledge sharing must be our constant practice,” she said.
Canterquip CEO, Ms Tshireletso Chingwaru appreciated government’s support, highlighting the critical role of advancing goals for national security and safety. The event themed: Re-imagine, Re-equip and Re-start, was the second edition of Botswana Security and Fire Summit hosted by Canterquip.
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