From the Editor's desk: Bitcoin or Ether?

Issue 5 2021 News & Events

Well, the July riots are a thing of the past, except, of course, for the million or so rounds of ammo that are still missing and the R120 million in cash that was stolen (cash, not repairs or new equipment costs), but the government is still on a mission of destruction.


Andrew Seldon, Editor

The latest news is that taxpayers, the few that are left, will have even more of their hard-earned money looted to pay for a new social security plan. Given the incompetence inherent in everything it does, one knows how successful that is going to be. Oh, and then there is the NHI and the pension fund changes they also plan. Already you have to leave the country without your pension and can only get it in a few years’ time – when the rand has strengthened (we may as well laugh, crying doesn’t help).

All of that should keep them in funds for a few years before it mysteriously vanishes. But what about the rest of us?

Having lived in Germany, I am 100% in favour of social security and free healthcare (I should say universal healthcare because it’s not free, a portion of your taxes go towards it every month, but healthcare services are free unless you want cosmetic enhancements). The only problem is you need the programme to be designed, rolled out and run competently, and you need to prevent all and sundry from stealing every penny they can scrounge. And it may also help a bit if significantly more than half the people who can work do actually have jobs and pay taxes to support the social net.

Given all the above, the question now remains whether Bitcoin or Ether (Ethereum’s crypto currency) would be the best option to secure what little we have? Cryptocurrencies are high risk, that’s for sure. However, when compared to the government, that risk decreases dramatically. If you’re interested, there’s a comparison article on Nasdaq.com, just follow the link www.securitysa.com/*crypto.


Something completely different

We have also included the latest Residential Security Handbook: Secure Living with this issue of Hi-Tech Security Solutions. I look forward to hearing your comments and criticisms. And feel free to send a Bitcoin or two along as well. It may also be a good time to invest in learning about herbal remedies, we’ll need them when all the doctors have emigrated.


Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Fire safety in South Africa
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Editor's Choice
Fire safety is sometimes ignored, sometimes relegated to whatever is cheapest, and sometimes treated with the seriousness it deserves, given that it focuses on protecting life and assets. SMART Security Solutions asked Brett Birch, MD of Technoswitch, for some insights into the realities of fire safety in South Africa.

Read more...
Alarms are smarter than ever
Spectrum Security Products Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Arxtech Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Modern smart alarms are evolving beyond simple sirens and basic alerts. They now include features such as system health checks, remote management, real-time notifications, mobile apps, and multiple communication options.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: The high price of cheap
Technews Publishing News & Events
Bringing fire and safety, along with intrusion and perimeter protection, into the same publication is an interesting exercise. At their core, all these systems exist for one reason: to warn people ...

Read more...
Preventing and suppressing lithium fires
SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Smart Home Automation
SMART Security Solutions asked Clyde Becker, director of Pyro Brand, for some insight into the mechanics of lithium-ion battery fire risks, especially thermal runaway, and to define a comprehensive, layered approach to fire detection and suppression.

Read more...
Integrated layers offer dependable security
OPTEX SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Integrated Solutions
A layered approach to security tightens protection and minimises downtime and operational risk. Moreover, integrating all the parts of a solution and proving they can do the job before spending money are critical.

Read more...
Southern Africa’s security leaders honoured at the 2026 OSPAs
News & Events
The winners of the 2026 Southern Africa Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) were announced at a virtual ceremony on 23 June 2026. The winners in seven categories will progress to the third Global OSPAs in 2027.

Read more...
MPT unveils R50m customer experience centre
News & Events Power Management
Master Power Technologies has unveiled its new Customer Experience Centre, also home to its new regional headquarters in Midrand, Gauteng. The facility spans 6 000 m2 and houses approximately 200 employees.

Read more...
Duxbury Cybersecurity sharpens reseller offering
Duxbury Networking Information Security News & Events
Duxbury Networking has strengthened its Duxbury Cybersecurity business unit by adding WatchGuard and Cynet, giving South African resellers broader, more integrated coverage for the security risks customers are now asking them to address.

Read more...
Disconnect between confidence in identity security and operational reality
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
New FIDO Alliance and HID study reveals gap between identity security confidence and reality; 94% of enterprises claim they can revoke employee access within 24 hours, yet 35% experienced delays or failures in the past two years.

Read more...
Paxton Solo training available to security installers
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
Following the launch of Solo, Paxton’s brand-new access control system, the security manufacturer is rolling out dedicated Solo training sessions across South Africa to support security installers working with the system.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.