The turnout at Securex South Africa held from 6 to 8 June 2023, was staggering, with a record number of 6 401 Securex visitors crossing the threshold at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. In addition, the combined number of visitors to Securex South Africa and the co-located A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, and Firexpo, also reached a record high — with 11 465 people visiting the expos over the three days.

“Securex South Africa lived up to its reputation as being the largest and most comprehensive platform for security offerings on the continent, with the feedback received from both visitors and exhibitors reinforcing its popularity,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions — a division of Montgomery Group.

“I was exploring new business opportunities in the security industry and made great connections at Securex South Africa.” Peterjoy Maponyane — Samambu Funeral Group. “Securex was top-notch. I was very, very impressed with the firefighting presentation.” Pride Moeketsi — Department of Correctional Services. “I was blown away by the whole show. It was huge! Everything I needed I found here.” Jonas Ngobeni — Alfaomega Security.

“This is our fourth time at Securex and we feel it is essential for us to be here as the return on investment is fantastic. We have had excellent quality visitors on our stand, including several people from the SANDF and two large retailers who have shown great interest in our products. Securex is undoubtedly the top event for high-tech security technology. We are hoping to secure successful contracts like we did in 2022, one of which was an anti-poaching project securing 75 000 Ha. Subsequently, there have been no rhinos poached in this area. Finally, I would like to encourage women to become involved in the security sector — they have so much to offer.” Colin Glaeser — Axxonsoft.

“This is our 15th time at Securex, and I was very pleased with not only how busy the show was this year, but more so about the high quality of visitors at our stand. We find that people came to see our offerings last year, then returned this year, after discovering the true capabilities and abilities of our solutions, with the sole intention of buying the products. On the first day alone, we had 50 solid leads. We had a great response to our new doorbell, which when combined with a face recognition NVR, increases security by knowing who is at your door.” Clyde Elhadad — Provision ISR.

On-show features

In addition to exhibitor products and services, Securex South Africa also included several visitor attractions. The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAS) were held in the Securex Seminar Theatre (powered by Unisa) on 7 June. The following awards were made:

• Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator — Olarm.
• Outstanding New Security Product — CathexisVision Carbon – Cathexis Technologies.
• Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer — Paxton.

According to the OSPAS South Africa judging panel “The 2023 South Africa OSPAs winners were selected from a pool of exceptional nominees, representing diverse sectors of the security industry. These winners have demonstrated exemplary commitment, innovation, and excellence in their respective categories. The South Africa OSPAs would like to express gratitude to Securex South Africa for their collaboration in hosting the awards ceremony, as well as their continued support in recognising excellence within the security industry.”

The SAIDSA Techman competition, held on 6 June, once again attracted some of the industry’s most talented certified technicians, who competed to wire up an alarm circuit board in the fastest time (with the highest level of accuracy). The winner was Anesh Randayal from Blue Security, second place went to Keeren Ruiters, also from Blue Security, and third place was awarded to Jean Janse Van Rensburg from CSS Security.

SAIDSA and ESDA held a breakfast function on 7 June, with a welcome from SAIDSA’s Johan Krogh. The event ended with a lively session by well-known comedian Barry Hilton. ESDA’s Xarion Comoretto outlined two projects being instituted by ESDA:

• A podcast that covers an objective interview with an ESDA member where relevant topics, proposed by the member, are discussed recorded and published online, accessible at any time and on any platform.
• An online portal that registers distributors and installers, allowing an online lookup to ensure that the installer has been ratified by the manufacturer to install the product. The end user would be encouraged to leave reviews on the installer and installation.

The K9 Law Enforcement Demonstration, held in the Link Node, was a huge drawcard, with vsiitors and exhibitors alike entranced by the skills of the Totan Aviation K9 animals. In a similar vein, the Drone Demonstration Zone, hosted by African Drone Kings, held the audience captive with regular displays of the prowess of the drones and their operator. 

The Securex Seminar, powered by UNISA, was once again ‘standing space only’, with each session attracting numerous delegates eager to find out about the latest industry trends, challenges, solutions, and regulations. “Visitors were regaled by 19 knowledgable speakers who tackled a number of thorny issues and provided solutions to various industry challenges. The diversity and scope of the sessions was large and the feedback we received from the vsiitors was a clear indication that we are bringing important information to the fore, says Anderson.

“We would like to say a special thanks to our industry partners, sponsors and media partners. Endorsement by leading industry professional bodies like SAIDSA, ESDA, FPASA, PSiRA, SASA, the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector, and ISS lends great credibility to the expo, allowing not only current members of these associations to benefit from the relationship, but furthermore, for prospective members to engage on the exhibition floor with the industry bodies,” says Anderson.

This year’s events were so successful that the organisers have extended the floorspace into Hall 4 (the expos are currently in Halls 2 and 3), to accommodate the demand from exhibitors, at the 2024 four co-located shows, being held at Gallagher Convention Centre from 28 to 30 May 2024.

Organisations wishing to exhibit at Securex South Africa 2024 can contact Zelda Jordaan on zelda.jordaan@montgomerygroup.com to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.

Engage with Securex South Africa 2024 on social media using the show hashtag #Securex2024.