Plessey South Africa was formed to commercialise an invention by Dr. Wadley called the tellurometer, an instrument that could determine distance between two points by sending out a microwave signal to a beacon, and electronically measuring the distance. This locally developed technology enabled South Africa to remain a world leader in distance measurement technology over for over 25 years.

in 1992 the company delivered yet another iconic South African invention: the keypad based Prepaid electricity Meter, which saw Cape Town as the pilot site for installation of another technology first. This invention revolutionized the electricity supply industry and enabled extensive expansion of electricity supply while also empowering people to consume only what they could afford. It could be argued that this technology also paved the way for prepaid cell phones in the country.

In 1999, the first road safety joint venture project was undertaken with the current day Metro, Ekurhuleni. Through this project, Syntell was able to develop a brand new business model that required no capital outlay by the local authority. This was an industry changing concept that paved the way for local government to outsource road safety services.

2002 was the founding year for the brand name of Syntell, where the name change saw the brand becoming a division of the parent company. One year later, Syntell (Pty) Ltd was formed through a management buy-out with ABSA providing a significant part of the funding. In celebration of the launch of the Syntell brand our people visited Robben Island – symbolic of a New Beginning.

This blue chip technology company began its new life as South African to the core, and firmly positioned to supply world class services to world class cities. Syntell is driven by a desire to propel African communities into the 21st Century with globally competitive innovations. Our staff is not just representative of South Africa’s human diversity. It is representative of South Africa’s courageous new brand of thinkers and innovators, affording us the opportunity to peg African innovations as yet one more class act to follow. We’re a company with a deep commitment to improving the South African way of life and our focus is honed to address the new and rapidly changing needs of South African communities.

There is no finish line for us. Ours is a continuous brand journey true to the spirit of innovation.