AfriForum Air Support

The aim of AfriForum’s air wing is to act as a force multiplier to enhance the safety of communities. Through the use of drones, patrols can act more proactively and reactively. It also provides the ability to respond quickly to crime such as burglaries and farm attacks, which helps to catch criminals. An eye in the sky ensures better crime prevention and increases the general safety of the community.

AfriForum currently has 48 drones, including private drones.

Branches across South Africa use drones to keep their communities safe. We have trained pilots who fly the drones, and we also offer training for members of the public to acquire this skill. By using FSAT, who offer the training, we can train our pilots in-house and ensure they receive training of the best quality to comply with the regulations of the SACAA.

AfriForum’s drones are also regularly called out to help locate missing persons or to provide assistance to the authorities during disaster situations.

Advantages of drones

Safety and security

1. Improved oversight and patrols: Drones can be used to patrol large areas quickly and effectively, helping to prevent crime and respond quickly in emergencies.
2. Crime detection: They can be used to track and follow suspects, which helps in catching criminals.
3. Eye in the sky: They provide an eye in the sky that enables better situational awareness and coordination during operations.

Relief and disaster management

1. Emergency response: Drones can be quickly deployed to assess damage, locate victims and deliver emergency supplies during disasters such as floods, earthquakes and fires.
2. Search and rescue operations: They are very effective in search and rescue operations, especially in difficult or inaccessible terrain.

Agriculture

1. Precision farming: Drones can be used to monitor crops, conduct health inspections and collect data on soil conditions, helping farmers optimise their yields.
2. Spray applications: They can be used to precisely apply chemicals and fertilizers, saving costs and reducing environmental impact.

Infrastructure inspections

1. Building and bridge inspections: Drones can be used to inspect structures without exposing people to risks associated with manual inspections.
2. Power lines and wind turbines: They can be used to inspect power lines and wind turbines, helping to reduce maintenance costs and avoid downtime.

Environmental conservation

1. Wildlife monitoring: Drones can be used to monitor wildlife and protect it against poaching.
2. Habitat conservation: They can help track habitat changes and collect data for conservation projects.

Media and entertainment

1. Aerial photography and videos: Drones are used to create unique aerial photography and videos for films, television and other media.
2. Event coverage: They can be used to provide live footage during major events and sporting events.

Logistics and delivery

1. Package delivery: Drones can be used for the fast and efficient delivery of packages, especially in remote or urban areas where traffic can be a problem.
2. Medical supplies: They can be used to transport medical emergency supplies such as medicines and organs quickly and safely.

Increased safety

• Reduce risk to people by using drones in dangerous situations.
• Provide secure monitoring of high-risk areas.

Cost-effective

• Less expensive than traditional methods for security and surveillance.
• Save on labour and operational costs.

Effective supervision

• Provide real-time monitoring and rapid response.
• Improved detection of incidents and suspicious activities.

Greater accuracy

• Can cover large areas quickly and efficiently.
• Increased reach and visibility in difficult terrain.

Improved data collection

• High-quality footage and data collection.
• Useful for analysis and reporting.

Versatility

• Can be used in various applications such as security, agriculture, construction and emergency relief.
• Easily adaptable to different operational requirements.

Environmentally friendly

• Less energy-intensive and more emission-free compared to traditional vehicles.