iER Wins Best And Most Innovative Solution: Interview With Monique Delport

iER Wins Best And Most Innovative Solution: Interview With Monique Delport. In a country where every second counts and access to reliable emergency assistance can determine the outcome of a crisis, Monique Delport stands at the forefront of reshaping how South Africans call for help. As a key leader at iER (Integrated Emergency Response), she has played an instrumental role in building a platform that unifies the nation’s fragmented emergency ecosystem into one simple, accessible point of contact. Delport’s work comes at a time when South Africa faces rising demands on public emergency services, long response times, and limited accessibility for underserved communities. iER’s recent achievement, winning Most Innovative Solution and Best South African Solution at the 2025 FNB App of the Year Awards, signals both technological innovation and real social impact, reinforcing the platform’s mission to simplify crisis response and strengthen community safety nationwide. In this interview, we speak to Monique Delport about how iER is transforming emergency coordination, the challenges of unifying private and state responders, the platform’s growing footprint, and the new features positioning iER as a leader in South Africa’s safety-tech landscape. Check it out below!

How does iER simplify emergency response for ordinary South Africans?

iER gives people a single, easy-to-use access point for any emergency be it medical, crime, fire, or roadside. Instead of searching for the right number or service provider, users tap an alert on the app and iER manages the entire escalation process. This simplifies stressful situations and ensures help is routed correctly and quickly.

What inspired the creation of a unified emergency assistance platform?

The inspiration came from the reality that South Africa’s emergency system is fragmented. Different emergencies require different numbers, providers, and processes. We’ve created a singular platform that aims to remove that confusion, giving people one point of contact to make emergency assistance accessible to everyone, regardless of where they are or what they can afford.

What gaps in the emergency ecosystem were you aiming to fix?

Fragmented communication between private and state services such as Ambulance, Police, Security Companies and CPF groups. Slow response times caused by misrouting calls or incomplete location information. Limited accessibility, especially for people in low-income or rural areas.

How does iER ensure rapid, real-time response across various regions?

iER uses a national responder network of over 18 000 providers, combined with GPS-based location tracking to immediately identify the closest, most appropriate responders. A central operations centre monitors cases 24/7, coordinates handovers, and ensures real-time updates. Partnerships with municipalities, EMS providers, and private security networks enable coverage across both urban and rural regions.

What innovative technologies power the platform’s emergency coordination?

iER employs GPS location that pinpoints a user’s exact position the moment an alert is triggered, eliminating delays caused by unclear or incomplete location details. The platform also features one-touch alert options , allowing users to instantly request help without navigating complex menus—critical in high-stress situations.

How do you manage data security given the sensitive nature of emergency information?

iER applies strict data-protection protocols , including end-to-end encryption, secure servers, limited data-access controls, all compliant with POPIA. Personal and location data is accessed only when needed for a real incident, and all logs are audited to prevent misuse. The platform is built around privacy by design principles.

What impact has the platform had on community safety so far?

iER has helped communities by:

• Reducing response times through faster case routing
• Improving incident visibility for neighbourhood groups and responders
• Giving underserved areas free access to emergency coordination
• Empowering citizens with one reliable tool to call for help

This has led to more incidents being reported, quicker interventions, and greater peace of mind for users.

How significant is winning two major categories for your team?

It’s a major validation of years of innovation and community-centred work. Winning in two categories affirms both the platform’s technological excellence and its real-world social impact. For the team, it reinforces that their mission—to make emergency help accessible to all South Africans—is resonating and producing measurable results.

How does iER plan to expand its services nationwide or across Africa?

iER already has a fully established nationwide footprint across South Africa. Our focus moving forward is strengthening and growing the network we’ve built . We are continuously working on deepening our relationships with emergency responders, security partners, medical networks, and municipal services to ensure that our coverage remains reliable, scalable, and responsive. By reinforcing these partnerships and integrating new technologies, we aim to maintain our national reach while laying the groundwork for future strategic expansion into the broader African region.

What new features or advancements can users expect next?

iER has, as of December 2025, launched an Infrastructure Reporting feature that allows users to report issues such as damaged roads, faulty traffic lights, unsafe public spaces, and other infrastructure hazards directly through the app. This expands iER’s role beyond emergency response into proactive community safety , enabling authorities and service providers to receive accurate, geo-tagged reports and address issues before they lead to emergencies.