With a staggering fifth-highest crime rate globally, South Africans navigate a treacherous landscape of escalating threats daily.
A recent report from Stats SA indicates a concerning rise in crime across nearly all categories since 2021, further compounded by the unsettling reality that 65% of South Africans do not feel safe enough to walk alone at night in their own communities.
In this climate of fear, innovative technology is providing citizens with the tools needed to reclaim a sense of security.
Shaun Kirk, Managing Executive at Tracker, observes a growing trend towards personal safety applications, which have proliferated in response to increasing violence worldwide. ‘Interpersonal violence not only causes physical and psychological harm but also inflicts extensive social and economic damage,’ he states.
The repercussions extend beyond victims, affecting families and entire communities and ultimately hampering economies due to pressures on healthcare systems and law enforcement.
However, the advent of rapid technological advancements coupled with large-scale mobile penetration has paved the way for personal safety apps to emerge as vital resources for citizens seeking to enhance their safety.
Kirk highlighted that the global personal safety app market is projected to soar from USD 1.5 billion in 2024 to USD 5.2 billion by 2033, attributing this growth to an escalating demand for effective personal protection solutions.
In South Africa, smartphone adoption is remarkably high, with a recent General Household Survey revealing that 96% of households own at least one mobile device.
‘This presents a significant opportunity for safety-focused applications to reach those most in need,’ Kirk explains.
Sparks of proactive behaviour are evident among South Africans. The Stats SA data show an increase in the number of citizens taking steps to safeguard themselves and their families, rising from 39.9% in 2023/2024 to 43.3% in 2024/2025.
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Against this backdrop of urgency, Tracker has proudly introduced its own personal safety initiative: Sayf by Tracker.
The new app promises to empower families with state-of-the-art features, including real-time GPS tracking, armed response services, SOS alerts, and a direct line to emergency services all designed to provide around-the-clock visibility of loved ones.
Kirk notes that the app also incorporates timely notifications when users approach areas considered high-risk.
‘In today’s world, we all face inherent risks, and the safety of our loved ones is paramount. Applications like Sayf serve as a crucial layer of protection, allowing South Africans to pre-empt danger and safeguard their families,’ he concludes.
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Picture: Unsplash
