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Security remains a priority at Kingswood, and the Security Committee continues to focus on strengthening our systems, improving monitoring and using technology to make the estate safer and more secure.
We spoke to Security Committee Chairman Gerrit ‘Fielies’ Nieuwoudt about the latest developments.
Technology strengthening security
The recent construction activity around Kingswood, including the new Mediclinic development, has required some additional vigilance from our security team. While Kingswood remains a safe environment, it is important that we continue to monitor our surroundings and ensure that our security measures remain effective.
Our layered approach to security combines physical security, CCTV, thermal surveillance, access control, and a 24-hour Control Room.
The effectiveness of this approach was recently demonstrated when an individual entered the estate perimeter. The person was immediately detected by the camera system, and security personnel responded by detaining the person. The incident highlighted the important role that technology plays in detecting activity that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The installation and optimisation of the estate’s camera network continues. Our mobile, off-grid thermal surveillance unit, Smurf, is also operating successfully and provides additional monitoring capability in areas where traditional infrastructure is more difficult to deploy.
Access control and ANPR The integration of our access-control, ANPR and LED display technology is currently being finalised and tested. As with any complex technology integration, the system has required testing and fine-tuning to ensure that the various platforms communicate reliably with one another. Our technology partners continue to work together to resolve the remaining technical matters and complete the final testing.
The objective is to ensure that the system operates consistently before it is fully implemented.
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The LED display boards form part of our broader security and access-control solution and allow the system to provide immediate visual information to security personnel and visitors. Installing traditional booms at the various entrances would require significant road widening and other infrastructure changes. The current technology-based solution therefore provides an effective alternative while minimising disruption to the estate.
Managing speed on our roads
Traffic management is another important component of estate security. Electronic speed monitoring has been approved in principle, and a number of suppliers are being considered to ensure that we obtain the best combination of technology, service and value. The intention is not to inconvenience responsible drivers, but rather to identify and address excessive speeding.
Technology allows us to focus on those who disregard the speed limits rather than introducing physical measures that affect everyone. This is particularly important in maintaining Kingswood as the safe, peaceful and family-friendly estate that we want it to be.
Strengthening the perimeter
Our perimeter security remains an ongoing focus. JP Fencing continues with repairs following storm damage, while the Security Committee has also identified priority areas for further perimeter enhancements. The estate currently has an extensive network of CCTV and thermal cameras covering the gates and perimeter, supported by the necessary power and communications infrastructure.
Further sections of the perimeter are scheduled for additional security enhancements during the 2027 financial year, based on the recommendations of our security consultant and the priorities identified for the estate.
A 24-hour watch
The Kingswood Control Room continues to operate 24 hours a day, with Fidelity providing the primary monitoring and response function.
In addition, Omnivision provides supplementary overnight monitoring from 18:00 to 06:00, adding another layer of oversight during the night.
Our security systems are continuously monitored, and when an alarm or line-crossing notification is received, the Control Room investigates the alert through the available camera systems. Where necessary, security personnel are dispatched to investigate and provide feedback.
Keeping Kingswood moving safely
The completion of the major roadworks to Airway Road and Plattner Boulevard has also brought a welcome improvement to traffic flow through the estate. The construction activity placed considerable pressure on some of our access points and internal roads, and we are pleased that this disruption has now largely passed.
The estate continues to monitor traffic and access patterns to ensure that our systems and resources are aligned with actual usage.
On average, Kingswood processes more than 25,000 visitor entries each month, in addition to contractors, service providers, deliveries, golf and clubhouse visitors, and other access activity. Our turnstile facial-recognition systems also process a significant number of contractor staff as well as regular domestic and garden employees.
These volumes highlight the importance of having efficient, technology-driven access control rather than relying solely on manual processes.
A shared responsibility
Security is ultimately a shared responsibility. The Security Committee, management, security personnel, and technology providers continue to work together to keep our systems effective, but residents also play an important role by remaining vigilant and reporting anything unusual.
If you observe suspicious behaviour, please contact the Control Room:
Control Room: 087 537 9733
WhatsApp: 083 522 0731
Gate 1: 044 874 6877
Gate 2: 044 874 4797
Gate 3: 044 874 4597
Our objective remains clear: to use the right combination of people, processes and technology to keep Kingswood a safe, secure and welcoming community.
