Individuals, complexes and estates often feel secure at home and work behind automatic gates, not realising that South Africa’s innovative criminals continually find ways around security precautions. We have all heard about gate motors being stolen or gates being forced open with seemingly no hassle.
SMART Security Solutions spoke to Mark O’Brien from Centurion Systems about the company’s ongoing efforts to secure gate and door entrances. Centurion may be known as a leader in gate and door motors in 72 countries, but the company is working to ensure that its motors do their job and that gates are more secure against the South African criminal onslaught.
A recent product launch is the GLX900, a physical lock that prevents swing and sliding gates and doors from opening. O’Brien describes it as a hybrid maglock and striker (to ensure it remains locked when the power supply dies, it has a manual release key), with a 900 kg break-in force.
Centurion has also released a series of anti-lift brackets to stop a gate from being lifted off its rails. The brackets are designed to fit most gates, and are rust-proof, allowing installers to ‘install and forget’. O’Brien explains that these physical security solutions significantly enhance the security of gates, making the job of would-be criminals all the more difficult.
These devices also make it harder for someone to steal the gate motor, a prevalent crime in SA, by Centurion’s D-Series SMART Theft-Deterrent Cage, and three support brackets.
O’Brien says the company is also on a drive to educate users and the installer community on best practices for installations (such as gate and garage door motors) and securing them.
Getting smart
Today’s world requires more than a gate and a remote with a button you press to enter or exit. Centurion’s SMART ecosystem integrates its various products, making control and management easier. Among the additional solutions on offer is anti-tamper protection (free), which detects unusual vibration on a gate and raises an alarm.
Of course, this is done via smartphone connectivity, using the company’s MyCentsys apps. MyCentsys Remote is for users who can open gates and garage doors from their phones via BLE, even using car systems (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay). Depending on the setup, they can also manage visitors' access. Other settings and functionality are also available.
The MyCentsys Pro app is designed for installers, assisting them with configuration, diagnostics, and system management. Firmware updates can also be done via the installer’s smartphone.
More than BLE access, the Centurion G-Ultra is a GSM-based access automation system designed for remote monitoring and control of various devices and systems via a mobile phone. It offers a large memory capacity, including storage for 1500 access numbers, 5000 event logs, 20 access profiles, and customisable messaging options. It provides IoT integration and alerts from multiple devices for alarms or other events.
Centurion will be hosting its HomeSec event in March 2026, where O’Brien promises a “big launch”, as well as Centurion’s 40th birthday celebrations. The event will cover smart security and home automation, IoT and alarms, and more. Cape Town may also see the event coming down south later in the year.
For more information contact Centurion Systems,
Centurion supports wildlife conservation
Centurion Systems has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting not only people and property, but also the planet. In a meaningful act of support, Centurion recently backed VulPro, a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of African vultures, one of nature’s most important yet misunderstood species.
Founded in 2007 by conservationist Kerri Wolter, VulPro operates Africa’s largest vulture rehabilitation and breeding centre, rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured vultures while driving vital research and education to secure their future. Vultures are nature’s clean-up crew, preventing the spread of diseases such as anthrax, rabies and botulism by swiftly and efficiently removing carcasses. Yet their populations have suffered devastating declines due to poisoning, electrocution, habitat loss and illegal trade.
Recognising the critical role that vultures play in sustaining healthy ecosystems, Centurion Systems donated a brand-new D6 Smart gate motor to VulPro after the organisation’s previous motor was stolen. This donation not only restores much-needed security to VulPro’s Hartbeespoort facility but also reinforces Centurion’s commitment to supporting local conservation efforts.
“This partnership is about more than just security hardware; it’s about securing a future for the incredible creatures that keep our environment in balance. We’re proud to stand with VulPro in their mission to protect vultures and the ecosystems we all rely on,” commented Mark O'Brien, Marketing & Communication Manager - Africa & MEA Region, Centurion Systems.
For more information about VulPro’s conservation work, visit www.vulpro.com.
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