Somewhere in South Africa, a security guard on a quiet night shift imagines a different future, one where they feel accomplished, skilled, and positioned for real opportunity.
Today, thanks to Rectron’s Drone Academy, that security guard can now complete their drone pilot certification and work for one of South Africa’s leading drone operators.
Launched in February 2023 in partnership with global drone manufacturer DJI, Rectron’s Drone Academy is helping equip South Africans with skills that will serve them well in the 21st century.
“We’ve always believed that skills development is critical to our participation in this country’s future. We want to be on the frontline of South Africa’s development, and the Drone Academy gives us a vehicle to provide tangible opportunities for young people in this country,” said Rectron’s chief of people, Kutlwano Rawana.
South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is well documented, with young people facing significant barriers to entering the formal economy. At the same time, sectors such as security, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics and environmental services are rapidly digitising, creating new demand for workers with technical proficiency, operational awareness, and digital literacy.
Rectron’s Academy addresses this gap. While drone piloting is a core offering, the programme develops broader, industry-relevant skills including safety management, regulatory compliance, data interpretation, and technology-enabled operations. Graduates exit with practical capabilities that align with the evolving needs of modern workplaces.
“A lot of high-value jobs are emerging, and this academy gives people accessible pathways into these careers. Drone piloting is a bridge for people to build brighter futures for themselves and their families,” said Ruan Botha, DJI enterprise product manager at Rectron.
Driving Industry Modernisation
As South Africa’s infrastructure, logistics, and property sectors adopt drone surveillance more widely, the demand for trained operators continues to rise. Companies are no longer looking only for guards they’re looking for multi-skilled security professionals who can integrate traditional guarding with technology-driven monitoring.
Drone upskilling helps close this gap. It strengthens the talent pipeline, supports compliance in regulated environments, and improves operational efficiency for the entire security industry.
Making a meaningful impact
Since its launch in February 2023, the Rectron Drone Academy has trained 22 students, including 15 through its own programs and seven through a strategic partnership with NTSU Aviation Solutions. Three Corporate Social Investment recipients have been supported through the initiative, with plans to train an additional 14 pilots over the 2025-2026 period.
The numbers tell an important story, but the outcomes reveal the true impact. Among the seven students sponsored through the NTSU partnership, the placement rate was 100 percent.
These are career pathways with genuine growth potential. The security guard who once worked night shifts now operates drones for a major industry player, applying technical skills he developed through structured training.
Rectron has invested over R650 000 in partnerships and training infrastructure, signalling a sustained commitment to building South Africa’s drone talent pipeline. This investment goes beyond equipment and facilities. It represents a belief that young South Africans, when given access and support, can compete in global industries and drive local innovation.
As the drone industry continues to expand across sectors, the demand for trained professionals will only increase. Agriculture is using drones for precision farming and crop monitoring. Infrastructure companies are deploying them for inspections that are safer and more cost-effective than traditional methods. Environmental organizations are leveraging drone technology for conservation and monitoring. The applications are vast and growing.
The security guard who became a drone pilot understood something essential: the future belongs to those willing to learn, adapt and pursue new possibilities.