Nowadays, the phrase ‘home is where the tech is’ defines modern living, as South Africans increasingly (https://apo-opa.co/3TSowVR) adopt smart home innovations. These advancements are continuing to adapt and evolve in their capabilities which not only improve convenience and security but can also decrease energy consumption, contributing to cost savings.

This is according to Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage (www.CBI-LowVoltage.co.za/), who says that, in 2024, homes will become even more high-tech in terms of the efficiency, functionality, and personalised living experiences they provide. “We may still be a few years away from homes resembling those dreamed up by sci-fi movies, but we are already heading in the direction of smart technology becoming less of a luxury and more of a staple in modern homes.”

Below, he shares four trends that will help make South African homes smarter this year:

Improved Internet Speed: In the early part of the year, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will hold another auction (https://apo-opa.co/43wkAO1) for radio frequencies including 5G. What the rollout of more 5G will mean for smart homes is lightning-fast internet speeds, instantaneous communication between devices, and the ability to connect even more gadgets within a smart home ecosystem for seamless integration and control. It will also allow for greater stability and reliability which will prove particularly useful when it comes to monitoring and controlling critical systems remotely in real time. Ultimately, the rollout of 5G is poised to elevate the capabilities of smart home technologies, making them even more intelligent and efficient.

In addition, WiFi-7 is set to roll out in the country this year which will improve internet connectivity to devices in the home, extend range and promises to deliver nearly five times the speed of Wi-Fi 6. This, however, is also reliant on the release of more spectrum and regulatory approvals.

Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Leveraging its data analysis and processing capabilities, AI discerns user patterns, utilising these insights to anticipate and implement homeowners’ future decisions and choices. By integrating AI into smart home devices, these products can learn and adapt to a user’s habits and preferences, optimising efficiency, intuitiveness, and responsiveness. Consequently, homes become attuned to the unique needs and preferences of their inhabitants. A practical illustration of this is a smart lighting system employing AI to automatically adjust the lighting throughout the entire home in accordance with the time of day or the user’s activities. AI will also assist homeowners who may not be tech-savvy by offering them the opportunity to implement advanced automation with their smart devices without the need for manual programming.

In the future, generative AI will make smart homes even smarter. Soon, these tools will not only help to identify appliances that require preventative maintenance but also set up appointments with service providers for their upkeep based on the homeowner’s schedule and availability.

Smarter security: Technological innovations are becoming increasingly incorporated into various smart home security systems. Take, for example, the evolution of smart locks, which are now activatable through various interfaces such as fingerprint recognition, PIN codes, voice recognition, and phone apps. Blockchain is also set to play a crucial role in fortifying smart home security systems, rendering them more resilient and resistant to potential hackers. Additionally, AI has the potential to analyse residents’ behavioural patterns, promptly notifying homeowners and their security companies if there are deviations or unusual activities within the premises.

Energy optimisation: Anticipating a 20,200MW (https://apo-opa.co/43CvWQp) energy shortfall in 2024, homeowners are turning to smart home technologies like those in the CBI Astute Range (https://apo-opa.co/43yQJEu) of products to monitor and manage energy consumption. These technologies collect and analyse vast amounts of data, helping users identify areas for improvement. Plus, automation can assist them in adjusting their usage, even when they’re not at home.

Additionally, as more South Africans embrace rooftop solar (https://apo-opa.co/3IUS6DT), smart technology enables the effortless integration of renewable energy sources to combat the impacts of load shedding while also ensuring that the power produced is used effectively and efficiently.

“In 2024, smart homes will become sanctuaries of innovation, enriching the lives of South Africans and heralding a future where homes understand, adapt and even pre-empt the unique needs of their residents,” concludes Dr Dickson.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CBI-electric: low voltage.

For more information, go to https://CBI-LowVoltage.co.za or follow CBI-electric: low voltage on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3vvHgRW), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/43Cr9hY), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4atY8Y6), X (https://apo-opa.co/4aw8czw), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3VBbqxv) or YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3IWb2Ce).

About CBI-electric: low voltage:

Established in 1949, CBI-electric: low voltage is a manufacturer and supplier of quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment. Previously known as Circuit Breaker Industries or CBI, the company specialises in the design, development, and manufacturing of circuit breakers, residential current devices, surge protection, wiring accessories, and metering products.
Head quartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company is a subsidiary of renowned JSE listed industrial group Reunert (https://www.Reunert.co.za/), with international operations across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and USA.
CBI-electric: low voltage can be found in almost every home and has firmly become a market leader over the last 72 years while supplying products to authorities, utilities, manufacturers, commercial property developers, industrial, mining, telecommunications, and general power distribution applications.
In 2021, the brand launched its smart IoT (internet-of-things) home automation range, called the Astute Range.

In 2023, Kaspersky’s products (www.Kaspersky.co.za) held the leading position in the TOP3 metric (https://apo-opa.co/3IWatso). During the year, Kaspersky participated in 100 independent tests and reviews, with its products being awarded 93 firsts and 94 TOP3 finishes, achieving the highest result of all years.

The TOP3 metric reflects a vendor’s success in independent comparative tests during the calendar year. This means a company’s technological expertise can be assessed and the quality and effectiveness of its implemented technologies and solutions can be tracked. This approach, based on the aggregation of results from a multitude of respected testing laboratories such as AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST, SE Labs, and others, provides a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond the outcomes of individual tests, facilitating the identification of the company’s true capabilities, its continuous improvement and innovation.

Regarding consumer solutions, one of Kaspersky’s main achievements is winning the “Product of the Year” (https://apo-opa.co/4aayxn0) award from an independent testing institute AV-Comparatives, breaking a record for the most honoured cybersecurity company in the industry. Kaspersky Standard, the primary plan of the new Kaspersky Consumer Portfolio, was recognised for taking the highest Advanced+ award in all seven tests and demonstrating the best combination of protection, performance and resistance to false positives.

Additionally, Kaspersky Plus for Windows has passed SE Labs’ Endpoint Security: Home 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/4aayFTw) getting the highest Total Accuracy Rating of 100 percent (TOP1) in all four tests of the year. Meanwhile, Kaspersky Safe Kids received AV-Comparatives’ Parental Control Certification (https://apo-opa.co/3Ts1YtC) for blocking at least 98 percent of pornographic websites with zero False Positives on child-friendly websites, and no severe unresolved bugs.

Kaspersky’s solutions also received seven ‘BEST 2023’ annual awards from AV-TEST. In particular, Kaspersky Plus for Mac was recognised as ‘Best MacOS Security 2023 for Consumer Users’ (https://apo-opa.co/43xAHLd) for the first time, with perfect results in the Mac security test over the course of a whole year. Kaspersky Standard, Kaspersky Endpoint Security and Kaspersky Small Office Security won the ‘Advanced Threat Protection 2023’ (https://apo-opa.co/43xAHLd) award for the exceptional protection against APT attacks deploying ransomware and data stealers. Besides these accolades, Kaspersky Standard, Kaspersky Endpoint Security and Kaspersky Small Office Security received the ‘Best Usability 2023’ (https://apo-opa.co/43xAHLd) award for the lowest False Positive rates over the course of an entire test year.

Kaspersky Standard, Kaspersky Endpoint Security and Kaspersky Small Office Security received the highest score of 6 points in all categories including protection, performance and usability, and the “TOP PRODUCT” award based on the AV-TEST results for Windows antivirus software for home (https://apo-opa.co/3TQoApg) and business (https://apo-opa.co/49bpn8M) users. The testing process includes two defense scenarios with challenging solutions against real-world and common threats, 5 performance measurement scenarios, and assessments for false positives.

As for corporate solutions assessments, Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response Expert (KEDRE) was rewarded by AV-Comparatives’ Endpoint Prevention&Response (EPR) test (https://apo-opa.co/497jcT2) for achieving a 100 percent Active Response cumulative score and gained recognition as “Strategic Leader”. The solution was also awarded with the AV-TEST Approved Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response Certification (https://apo-opa.co/3TCfTxm) for demonstrating impressive coverage and valuable analytics. The study involved a series of red-team attacks that replicated the tactics of Hafnium’s and Lazarus. Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response Expert demonstrated full coverage in Scenario 1 and detected 29 out of 30 techniques in Scenario 2. Additionally, the solution was recognised by SE Labs in the Enterprise Advanced Security (EDR) (https://apo-opa.co/3x5PUa0) test by reaching an absolute Total Accuracy Rating and receiving the highest AAA rating for detecting each of the 16 targeted attacks with no false positives.

Furthermore, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business and Kaspersky Small Office have received AAA ratings in all four of SE Labs’ Enterprise Endpoint Protection 2023 comparative tests (https://apo-opa.co/3x5PUa0). In addition, both products received TOP1 in 3 out of 4 tests in the Total Accuracy Rating parameter. Another achievement is the Anti-Tampering assessment (https://apo-opa.co/3xdhe6k) by AV-Comparatives, which confirmed that Kaspersky Endpoint Security has the highest resistance to tampering attacks, capable of providing security to a user’s system and data without delays.

“Participation in a wide array of tests throughout the year doesn’t only showcase our commitment to excellence but it also reinforces our confidence that we are meeting the modern requirements of users and businesses alike. By consistently receiving top ratings and awards from a variety of independent assessments, we reaffirm our dedication to providing comprehensive protection. This steadfast focus ensures that we are not just meeting but exceeding the expectations for cybersecurity in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape,” comments Alexander Liskin, Head of Threat Research at Kaspersky.

*Those who participated in less than 35% of the total number of tests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.  

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned the 2nd National Fire Service Training School built by the Akufo-Addo Government, bringing the total number of Fire Service Training Schools in Ghana to three.

Prior to the present governemt assuming office in 2017, Ghana had only one Fire Service Training School, located in Accra. About two months ago, Vice President Bawumia commissioned the  nation’s second Fire Service Training School in Wungu, in the North East Region.

Speaking at the commissioning of the third Fire Service Training School at Duayaw- Nkwanta in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region, Dr. Bawumia said the commissioning marked the “unwavering commitment” of the Government towards strengthening the fire service and protecting lives and property.

“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you today, on this historic occasion—the commissioning of the first phase of the Duayaw Nkwanta Fire Academy and Training School. This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of the Government of Ghana to the safety and well-being of its citizens,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“This training school stands as a testament to the government’s pledge in 2017 to increase the number of training schools for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) from one (1) to four (4) since independence,” Dr. Bawumia added.

“We are happy to be here in less than seven (7) weeks following the successful commissioning of the Wungu Fire Academy and Training School in the North East Region on Friday, January 19, 2024, to commission the second and third Fire Academy and Training School in the country, specifically here at Duayaw Nkwanta in the Ahafo Region.”

“Today’s event which marks another significant step towards achieving the government’s commitment to protecting its citizenry is unwavering,” Dr. Bawumia added.

The newly-commissioned training school has modern training facilities and equipment, including  two hydraulic platforms to reach the 16th floor, to fight fires and effect rescue for key institutions such as the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). This, Dr. Bawumia described as “a strategic move to ensure the safety of lives, businesses, livelihoods, and property.”

The Vice President also highlighted significant support the government has offered the Ghana National Fire Service, including the provision of modern equipment and expansion of the human resource capacity of the Service in the past 7 years to respond efficiently to emergencies.

Among the equipment are: command vehicles, modern fire engines, drones, rapid intervention vehicles, buses, appropriate personal protective equipment (APPEs), rescue and firefighting equipment.

“This investment in modern equipment aligns with the government’s vision to empower the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to deliver on its lawful mandate of saving lives and properties. 

“These resources will not only enhance the Ghana National Fire Service’s capacity to handle diverse and complex firefighting scenarios, but also contribute to the overall safety and security of our communities.”

The support, Dr. Bawumia continued, has impacted positively on the operations of the Ghana Fire Service.

“The Service in 2022, recorded 6154 fires as against 5973 fires in 2023 which translates to a 2.94% rate of reduction. This feat is clearly a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s initiatives, support, training, and the dedicated efforts of the firefighting force,” the Vice President stated.

On the staff strength of the Service, Dr. Bawumia noted that the current government has almost doubled the personnel of the Fire Service from the number it met in 2017.

“It is unprecedented in the history of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) for a single government to recruit over 7000 personnel, increasing the workforce to over 15000 in just 7 years.” 

“This achievement, spearheaded by the NPP Government, led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, showcases the administration’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our firefighting force to provide world class emergency firefighting and rescue services to the good people of this great country of ours.”

Despite the huge contributions and successes chalked, Dr. Bawumia stressed that a lot more has to be done to protect lives and property, assuring that government is ever committed to support the Service realize its vision and mandate.

The Acting President of the Duayaw Nkwanta Traditional Council, Nana Boakye Bonsu, expressed gratitude to government, for the training school.

The Chief Fire Officer, on behalf of the Service, expresses gratitude to the Government for what he described as immense support, the Government has offered the Service, which he said, has significantly boosted their operations.

The 3rd Fire Service Academy and Training School built by the Akufo-Addo Government, is ready for commissioning in the Eastern Region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Small businesses in Livingstone, the country’s top tourism destination, can now benefit from the ITC ecomConnect Learning Programme’s suite of digital tools and training.

The programme, a collaboration between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Absa Bank Zambia Plc, aims to unlock the potential of online business for growing trade.

‘The initiative represents a significant milestone in our efforts to foster economic development and empower our local entrepreneurs,’ Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai said at the launch on 14 March.

‘Our city is also home to a vibrant community of small and medium enterprises striving to succeed in an increasingly digital world,’ she said. ‘Today we take a bold step forward in supporting these businesses on their journey towards ecommerce excellence.’

The new hub will offer free access to a mix of online and offline resources:

Dedicated e-learning platform with self-driven training tailored to Zambian needs
Online support to get first-hand advice and feedback from the experts.
E-commerce focus groups, technical workshops and webinars to share knowledge about e-commerce topics.
Free access to e-learning materials and ITC’s e-commerce tools
Benefits ITC’s partnerships with local and international marketplaces such as eBay and Novica, and logistics and payment providers like DHL and Payoneer, to access additional capacity building, technical support and preferential rates.

‘The focus we have in this hub is really to drive business enablement, business linkages, and linkages to finance for small and medium enterprises,’ said Owen Malambo, Director of Digital and Technology at Absa Bank Zambia. ‘This would include startups, and any businesses already existing.’

The new programme in Zambia forms part of ITC’s Digital Moonshot, a cross-cutting effort to make sure that small businesses in developing countries can reap the benefits of the digital economy.

‘Our ultimate goal is for these hubs to become self-sufficient and diversify their income streams,’ said Daniel Chileshe, ITC’s Digital Moonshot Lead in Zambia. ‘Following this event, we will be launching a call for applications for businesses to participate in a five-month e-commerce programme.’

The selected businesses will receive free training, backed by in-person consultancy from ITC to ensure they complete the programme and can access additional resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.