This is not a direct trucking related story but one that warms the heart as it involves telematics company Netstar, well known in the trucking sector, extending its life-saving support beyond vehicles on the road.
South Africa’s coastline is vast, unpredictable and increasingly dangerous. Each year thousands of lives depend on the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), yet the organisation continues to grapple with challenges around funding and access to modern technology. Given this, we lift our hats to Netstar, already an NSRI supporter, for stepping up to strengthen its funding efforts by raising R350 000 for the NSRI through a dedicated fundraiser.
Long-standing partnership saves lives
The donation forms part of a partnership dating back to 2011, when the NSRI first began using Netstar tracking devices on its vehicles. Today 37 NSRI rescue vehicles are fitted with Netstar units that allow teams to monitor status in real time via Netstar’s AI application. This technology has become integral to coordinating missions and protecting volunteers.
“We’re proud to stand alongside the NSRI,” says Grant Fraser, Group MD of Netstar. “Their volunteers are out there every day, saving lives in some of the toughest conditions. This donation is our way of saying thank you – and making sure they have the tools they need to keep doing what they do best.”
Bridging gaps where resources fall short
While Netstar’s devices are not yet installed on NSRI sea-rescue vessels, their role in land-based operations is crucial. Every rescue that requires a dispatched vehicle benefits from the safety net of tracking and real-time oversight, offering peace of mind to crews and coordinators alike.
Renee Leeuwner, Community Fundraiser at the NSRI, states: “The recent fundraiser by Netstar saw a multitude of stakeholders coming together to invest in the resilience of South Africa’s coastal communities. It was a reminder for all of us that lifesaving work at sea depends on support from those on land. We are extremely grateful for partnerships like these.”
Editor’s comment: FleetWatch salutes Netstar for recognising that technology has a valuable role to play in lifesaving operations on our oceans. The NSRI is powered by volunteers and donations, not state funding, and that reality leaves a dangerous gap.
Partnerships like this show how the private sector can step up to strengthen safety where it is most needed – on the roads (like in the case of the late, legendary Philip Hull’s Community Medical Services and Road Safety Foundation SA), and at sea with the NSRI.
Click on photographs to enlarge
