Thales in South Africa
Overview
Thales has been present in South Africa for over 40 years, supporting clients in the country with technologically advanced solutions for the aerospace, transportation, defence, digital identity and security sectors.
Local cooperation
Thales’ commitment towards South Africa is built through two main initiatives: development of the local industry and the commitment to the South African government through both the employment of local talent and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
In support of local communities, Thales has initiated various projects, including the ‘Fast Tracking Pathways to Success Project’, which enrolled over 6,000 students, supporting STEM education values for youth. Thales has also recruited through the Learnership Programme, giving young adults access to the professional experience they need to secure their future.
Thales employs 175 people in South Africa and is rated level 2 under the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) scheme.
Solutions
Aerospace
Thales supports the country’s efforts to modernize navigation and surveillance capabilities, ensuring a continuous improvement to safety and efficiency. Thales supplies Air Traffic Management Systems (ATM), Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) equipment to the air traffic navigation authorities to ensure passenger safety.
In 2020, Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS) selected Thales for the installation and maintenance of Primary and Secondary Approach Radars, Radome and Ancillary equipment at Johannesburg International Airport and Cape town International Airport.
In the air, South African Airways selected Thales as the IFE systems provider for the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft for a user-friendly travel experience.
Transport
Thales is a leader in integrated transport systems with a comprehensive offering spanning two market segments, main line signalling and ticketing.
In South Africa, Thales provides Automated Fare Collection systems and new generation fare gates for the train system in Guatrain, as well as rail signaling modernization, communication and train management solutions for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Western Cape Region.
Digital Identity and Security
In South Africa, Thales provides a broad spectrum of identity management and data protection technologies which help banks exchange funds, people cross borders and secure communications.
The South African National identity cards and passport data page have been supplied by Thales since 2013.
Thales also supplies SIM cards and SIM-based connectivity solutions to the major Mobile Network Operators including MTN, Vodacom, Telkom and Cell C.
To facilitate secure payments, Thales manufactures and personalizes Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) payment cards, with applications for contact and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities.
Thales provides surveillance, Information and Communication technologies systems for Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. The Group deploys driving license management and issuance system for the country as well as an automated finger identification solutions to the South African Police Services for civil criminal background checks.
News and events
Follow us on Social networks
You can follow us on global or local social media channels. Here are the main accounts of interest.
Events for South Africa
Thales regularly participates in strategic events in South Africa. Whether you are interested in defence, digital identity and security, aerospace or other market specific solutions, there should be a date and a place to meet us.
Careers at Thales in South Africa
Contact us in South Africa
Thales South Africa
19 Friesland Drive, Longmeadow Business Estate,
Modderfontein Gauteng, 1609, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 088 8600