Thulile Mthetwa - Memeza

The Memeza Home Security system is a low cost alarm system that alerts community members and police when a crime takes place.

The system is monitored by a network of smart alarms which, once triggered, automatically generate an alert SMS that is sent to SAPS sector policing vehicles, police stations, community policing forums and trusted neighbours.

A siren mounted outside the home further alerts the community and repels intruders. Their intelligent back-end management system captures data on alarm activity to create reports on incidents in the area and police response times.

In 2012, the MeMeZa Home Security System won R250 000 at the SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards and was an early stage start up. Since then, a successful pilot of their system in Diepsloot helped to bring about a 26% reduction in crime, a 9% reduction in the murder rate and a seven-minute improvement in police response times.

In 2014, the MEC for Community Safety, the MEC for Economic Development, the Gauteng Police Commissioner and (then) Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa all hailed the launch of the SAPS and CPF MeMeZa Partnership and Diepsloot Pilot as a success.

Last year, as a result of achieving a turnover in excess of R7 million and employing 21 members of staff, MeMeZa was approved as a recipient for the SAB Foundation Social Innovation Accelerator and Fund.