JOHANNESBURG - The South African government's decision to extend the deadline to register their mobile phone cards has been met with a huge sigh of relief by Zimbabweans living here.
Cabinet announced last week that the deadline for registering with the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) has been extended to June 30 next year to ensure few, if any, customers are cut off.
The initial deadline was the end of December. Zimbabweans had raised concern as the deadline approached arguing they were struggling to secure documents such as passports and asylum permits, which were taking long to process. “My passport, which I applied for this week, only comes out after six weeks. That means I was going to be cut off. I welcome the extension,” said Ian Ndlovu.
Government implemented RICA in June 2009. The law requires that anyone who has a SIM card must register by providing a copy of their identity document and proof of residence. It is designed to limit crimes committed using cell phones and curb the theft of such devices.
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