In April last year, a two-year-old girl went missing in Fochville, Gauteng. As temperatures plummeted and night approached, hope hung by a thread. Sniffer dogs picked up her trail but lost it in the dense maize fields. Time was running out and under normal circumstances, the search could have been called off, at least until daylight. But an uncommon hero stepped in: drone technology.
A commercial drone operator from a private security company joined the search, and when the dogs lost the toddler’s scent, the drone, equipped with infrared sensors, took over. After scanning the area where the child was believed to be, the drone located her, sleeping under some bushes. She was rescued, safe and unharmed.
Without the drone, the search could have dragged on for much longer, and the outcome could have been different. But this is more than a story of survival. It’s a powerful reminder of how technology, when safely applied and purposefully deployed, can improve our lives, enhance our work, and even transform South Africa — making it safer and more efficient.
Across the country, drones — formally known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) — are revolutionising the way we deliver essential services, protect communities and uphold the law.
Discussions about using drones in health care across Africa gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic, when life as we knew it changed. In 2022 the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) issued a pioneering UAS operating certificate to the South African National Blood Service, opening the skies for life-saving blood deliveries by drone between hospitals. This world-first innovation had real impact — particularly for rural and hard-to-reach communities. This can undoubtedly be considered a significant win for the effective use of drone technology.
A major retailer is reported to be exploring drone delivery, and soon groceries could arrive at your doorstep by air. This is no longer science fiction — it’s South Africa, today
Over the years, drones have been deployed in a wide range of projects — from monitoring vulnerable wildlife and deterring poachers to supporting police during protests.
In our communities, private security companies use drones to deter crime, reduce copper theft and monitor high-risk areas. In agriculture, drones help farmers detect disease, monitor crops and spray fields with precision and efficiency.
Even the retail sector is catching up. A major retailer is reported to be exploring drone delivery, and soon groceries could arrive at your doorstep by air. This is no longer science fiction — it’s South Africa, today.
Most recently, drones played a critical role in border protection. During the Easter period last month, the Border Management Authority intercepted more than 6,000 illegal immigrants attempting to cross into South Africa — 63% more than the previous year. What made the difference? Smart, AI-enabled drones with thermal vision, operating in real time, day and night. They closed surveillance gaps and enhanced human capability — without replacing it.
Would-be border jumpers were detected in places that may have escaped the human eye — from beneath trucks to the insides of fridges. Drones ensured that no hiding place was infallible.
While concerns about technology replacing human roles are understandable, this is not the case with drones. Behind every flight is a trained operator. And regular manpower is still needed to do the work that drones start but cannot finish — such as search and rescue operations or carrying out arrests.
But with this technological advancement also comes legal responsibilities. Every commercial drone operation is governed by rigorous safety and risk protocols, approved by the SACAA. Pilots undergo formal training, businesses are certified, and safety is non-negotiable. This regulatory framework, first established in 2015, has positioned South Africa as a leader in responsible drone use.
So indeed, technology alone is not enough. The true power of drones lies in how we use them — to respond faster, reach further, and protect more lives. The SACAA collaborates with law enforcement, environmental authorities and civil partners to ensure these tools are used ethically, safely and in the public interest.
Civil aviation regulations set out clear parameters on the use of drones and the airspace in which they can operate. Drones can cause personal harm and injury and can infringe individuals’ rights to privacy. That is why drones for personal use are prohibited from operating in the dark or flying over property without the property owner’s consent.
Our drone laws are designed to balance the need for technical innovation with the utmost regard for the safety of our air space
There are about 60,000 drones in operation in South Africa, primarily for recreational use. At the end of financial year 2024, 3,402 drones were registered for commercial use. These are utilised in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, conservation and crime prevention. There are more than 100 SACAA-certified drone service providers in South Africa — and demand is growing. This presents a major opportunity to build new careers, especially for young people eager to work with cutting-edge technology. Drones are creating jobs — not only in piloting but also in engineering, logistics, training and maintenance.
Earlier this month, we marked international drone day — a moment to celebrate not just the machines, but what they enable: connection, safety and progress. Drones have significantly evolved from being instruments of recreation to being tools of care, service and nation-building.
Let us invest in this technology not only with resources but also with intentionality and responsibility, because at the end of every drone mission, there is always a person who was saved, helped or protected.
• Poppy Khoza is director of the Civil Aviation Authority
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