​The Gauteng Department of e-Government and the Gauteng Department of Community Safety recently hosted an engagement session on 15 April 2024, marking the soft launch of the Gauteng e-Panic Button. This event was a pivotal step in testing the effectiveness of the e-Panic Button, which is designed to be utilised by residents across the province as a proactive measure to prevent crime. The session brought together key stakeholders to discuss and assess the functionality of the app, ensuring that it meets the needs of the community and enhances public safety in Gauteng. 
The soft launch was spearheaded by the head of department (HoD), Mr. Castro Mosina, who emphasised the importance of giving stakeholders a firsthand experience of the app before its official rollout to the public. Although still in development, the e-panic button comprises features that are poised to revolutionise emergency reporting and response in the province. Among its key components are functionalities that allow for the reporting of crimes, requesting emergency assistance, and seeking help during medical emergencies. 
Mr. Mosina highlighted that the aim of the session was to gather feedback from stakeholders and ensure that the Gauteng Panic Button is user-friendly, effective, and meets the expectations of the community. 
Among the concerns raised during the engagement session for the Gauteng e-Panic Button were questions regarding its cost, battery usage, and functionality during load shedding. Stakeholders inquired whether the app would be free to use, ensuring accessibility to all residents. Additionally, there were queries about the app's impact on battery life, as continuous usage could drain a mobile device's battery quickly. Concerns were also raised about the app's effectiveness during load shedding, a common occurrence in South Africa, and how it would operate without electricity. Lastly, stakeholders sought clarity on the expected response time when the panic button is activated, emphasising the importance of a swift and reliable emergency response system. These concerns still underscore the need for thorough testing and refinement of the app to address these practical challenges and ensure its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. 
To which Mr.  Castro responded that all the recommendations won’t be overlooked as he assured stakeholders that a debrief session would be held and it will include the communications team which will advise and formulate a communications strategy that will best resonates with and win the hearts of the people of Gauteng. To conclude, HoD of Gauteng Department of Safety, Ms Nontsikelelo Sisulu gave closing remarks, and urged all stakeholders to download and use the Gauteng ePanic Button, emphasizing that this would be a crucial test of its effectiveness. She thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged them to spread the word about the upcoming panic button.