The journey of vehicle tracking in South Africa

Vehicle tracking has been part of South African life for three decades. The industry started in the mid-1990s with Tracker among the three pioneering vehicle tracking and recovery companies established within just a few years.

Since then, tracking technology has become part of everyday life. What started as a way to fight vehicle crime now helps protect families and support businesses. It’s a story of constant innovation and resilience – one that has become part of our shared heritage of building safer communities.

A technological shift from RF to GPS
When vehicle tracking in South Africa first began, it relied on radio frequency (RF) technology. These passive devices stay idle until Tracker activates them after a vehicle is reported stolen or hijacked, at which point they transmit a signal that recovery teams can track. While RF is effective for stolen vehicle recovery, it doesn’t provide real-time visibility of a vehicle’s location.

The introduction of GSM and GPS technology added a new dimension. With GSM/GPS tracking devices, customers can see their vehicle’s position on a map, in real time, through a website or smartphone app. This advancement opened the door to a wide range of new services.

Today, tracking devices are about much more than stolen vehicle recovery. They provide peace of mind through services such as roadside assistance and emergency medical response. They send early warning alerts for unauthorised vehicle movement, power interruptions, impact detection, or entry into high-risk areas. Tracking devices have also become smarter, with accelerometers that can monitor driving behaviour. Insurers and fleet operators use this data to encourage safer driving and reduce risk.

Evolving protection
Even with advances in telematics, RF technology has not been left behind. In fact, demand for it is growing again, especially for high-risk vehicles. To meet this need, Tracker has introduced a companion RF device that pairs with the primary telematics unit.

The two devices work together to strengthen security. If one is tampered with or compromised, the other immediately triggers an alert. Compact, wireless and discreet in design, the companion unit is harder to detect or disable, and it has been designed to resist signal-jamming attempts. Together, they give both individual and fleet customers stronger protection and improved recoverability.

Just like mobile phones, there are different levels of vehicle tracking available, from simple recovery devices to advanced services packed with extra features. The best choice isn’t always the cheapest vehicle tracker. It depends on how you’ll use the service, the type of protection you want, and of course, your budget.

A legacy of protection
From the earliest RF signals to today’s intelligent telematics, vehicle tracking has kept evolving. For nearly 30 years, Tracker has been at the heart of this journey, shaping the industry, safeguarding vehicles, and protecting people. It’s a story of innovation and care, and one we’re proud to keep growing for the future.