Johannesburg's New CCTV By-Law: Balancing Security and Regulation

11 Mar 2025

In a move that has sparked significant debate across the security industry, the City of Johannesburg has implemented a comprehensive new by-law governing privately owned CCTV cameras. As a leading security provider in the region, we've been closely monitoring these developments and analysing what they mean for our clients and the broader security industry.

Understanding the New Regulations

The freshly enacted legislation requires all CCTV cameras overlooking public spaces to obtain written approval from city authorities. Even existing systems must now be registered with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), creating a citywide database of surveillance infrastructure.

What's particularly noteworthy is the scope of this regulation. It doesn't just cover cameras on city property but extends to private surveillance systems that have any view of public areas. The by-law encompasses virtually all surveillance technology, from traditional security cameras to more advanced systems like number plate recognition cameras, body cameras, and even drone surveillance.

For security professionals and property owners, the implications are substantial. The by-law establishes strict confidentiality requirements for footage, prohibiting sharing on social media or with unauthorised individuals. Any modifications to registered systems, whether upgrades, relocations, or removals, must receive prior approval from the city.

The regulations become even more stringent for certain locations deemed sensitive by authorities. Special permits will be required for installing cameras near or on:

•City-owned buildings and infrastructure

•Existing JMPD CCTV camera locations

•Bridges, freeways, and traffic signals

•Government buildings and national key points

•SAPS Community Service Centres

Our Managing Director, Adriaan Otto, believes that, "While regulation is necessary to ensure responsible surveillance, there is a risk that these restrictions could slow down crime prevention efforts. Private security plays a crucial role in supplementing law enforcement's capabilities, and any additional administrative burden should not come at the cost of public safety."

This sentiment is echoed by other prominent voices in recent media coverage. According to reports, anti-crime activist André Snyman has expressed concern that "the by-law unfairly targets private security cameras," suggesting that "residents might soon be compelled to register their surveillance systems or remove them entirely."

In the same vein, the Democratic Alliance's Johannesburg caucus leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, was quoted as criticising the by-law as "an attempt to exert excessive control." Media reports indicate she argued that "the complex registration process could negatively impact homeowners, businesses, and community policing forums," while questioning "whether the city should be prioritising crime-fighting over bureaucratic red tape."

It's worth noting that these regulations arrive against the backdrop of broader surveillance expansion by authorities. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently announced that SAPS officers will begin using body cameras from April 1st, with each device costing R29,000, a significant investment in official surveillance infrastructure.

The city maintains that these regulations aim to create a structured framework rather than restrict security measures. Their stated goal is balancing crime deterrence with constitutional rights, particularly privacy.

Sources: Tech Central, Citizen, Timeslive, IT Web