How the Lottery paid R1.7-million for a flash mob that never happened
MSG, owner of Power FM, channelled the money for the National Lotteries Commision
Identity
Gauteng SMMEs Offered Vital Growth Opportunity through Exporter Competitiveness Programme
Gauteng’s Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are receiving vital support to boost their businesses through a transformative six-month Exporter Competitiveness Programme (ECP) initiative introduced by the government, aimed at propelling them forward. SMMEs that have been operational for a minimum of two years within the manufacturing, agriculture, and agro-processing sectors, are urged to seize …
No showers, no food, no electricity: the forgotten men of Molyneaux municipal shelter in Durban
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People struggle to get IDs at Khayelitsha Home Affairs as elections loom
One person said they slept outside the Khayelitsha office on Monday night. Despite being among the first in line, they were only helped at 3pm on Tuesday.
Orders granted to seize assets from illegal mining kingpins
Orders granted to seize assets from illegal mining kingpins
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (NPA AFU) has obtained three orders granting the unit permission to seize assets worth some R18 million from alleged illegal mining kingpins.
The order was granted in the Pretoria High Court to seize 16 bank accounts, 51 vehicles and seven properties from several suspects which NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said are “the proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Khutsong area” in Carletonville.
“This emanates from a criminal investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [the Hawks] registered project Gillette in 2018 with the specific purpose of infiltrating a syndicate which dealt in unwrought gold where they illegally buy gold-bearing materials from legal mining workers and illegally from Zama-Zamas [illegal miners].
“They then process it into gold nuggets and sell it around the Johannesburg area, but the main buyers are unknown at this moment. The syndicate is mainly composed of foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Some members of the syndicate acquired South African Identity documents fraudulently,” she said.
The properties are expected to be sold at public auction with the proceeds going into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA).
“The trial against the nine accused who are facing various charges including money laundering and racketeering is set to start on 24 July 2024 at the Pretoria High Court after it was transferred from [the] Oberholzer Magistrates Court.
“These forfeiture orders are part of the implementation of the Asset Forfeiture Unit’s asset recovery strategy to claim the proceeds of criminal activities back to the state. The overall National Anti-Corruption strategy by law enforcement agencies is to strengthen the fight against corruption by pursuing both civil and criminal processes to ensure that impunity is no longer a given,” Mahanjana said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:30
493 views
Transform Spaces with Window Art: Elevate Your Environment with Vinyl Frosting Solutions
Welcome to a world where your windows and glass doors transcend their mere functionality and become canvases for creativity. At Window Art, we understand the desire to transform spaces into reflections of personal or brand identity. With our expertise in vinyl frosting, we offer a solution that goes beyond mere decoration—it’s a statement. Why Vinyl …
Safeguarding Against Scams: Binance Highlights Common Fraud Schemes and Prevention Strategies
In celebration of World Consumer Rights Day and Global Money Week, Binance is taking a proactive stance by raising awareness of consumer protection, especially within the dynamic realm of the digital economy. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, Binance remains committed to empowering users with knowledge to navigate the space securely. It is crucial …
Inspiring An Inclusive Culture
What is inclusion? Inclusion encompasses the fundamental principle of embracing the diversity that exists among us, be it in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, abilities or any other aspect that contributes to one’s unique identity. It is about promoting a sense of belonging and equal opportunity for every individual, irrespective of their differences. What …
Motsoaledi clarifies allegations on the processing of tourists
Motsoaledi clarifies allegations on the processing of tourists
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has clarified allegations that his department is “chasing away tourists from South Africa” following an internal circular that was issued by the department on 21 December 2023.
Briefing media on Sunday in Pretoria, Motsoaledi explained that the circular was directed to the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), as well as managers of ports of entry. The circular was also sent to Provincial Inspectorate and Visa Facilitation Centres.
Motsoaledi said the circular was meant to guide BMA officials at the ports of entry on what to do when they encounter nationals of other countries falling within particular categories at the borders. This includes individuals who have applied for visa extensions, waivers or appeals and have not yet received their outcomes - negative or positive.
“I wish to emphasise that this circular was an internal communications document. It was targeted for Home Affairs and BMA officials, who I have mentioned.
“Rather than guide anybody, unfortunately this document raised a storm in the media and within establishments that have to do with tourism,” he said.
The Minister said the Department of Home Affairs was accused of “chasing away tourists from the country”, and in the process weakening, and even risking the collapse the tourism industry.
“One specific group of tourists mentioned in this regard are called ‘Swallows’. These are people who move between the northern and the southern hemisphere in search of sunny days and they are regarded as very important to the tourism industry.
“I wish to state categorically that the Department of Home Affairs would gain nothing by destroying the tourism industry, which is regarded as one of the pillars of the economy, not only in South Africa but in many other countries,” he said.
Motsoaledi further explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism always work in partnership on issues of tourism because both departments are important in this regard, and this particular issue is no exception.
The Minister said he has contacted Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille to discuss the matter and after this consultation, he tried to clarify the matter in the debate of State of the Nation Address on 14 February 2024.
“In my input, I did concede that this was a very unfortunate circular, which should not have been issued because the matters it was trying to clarify could have… been addressed in the normal course of operations between BMA and the department.
“I further clarified this matter on the occasion of the responses to oral questions by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) during plenary in Parliamentary on 28 February 2024.
“Judging by the reactions, it appears that my explanation in Parliament was not enough. We arrived at the conclusion that if indeed the circular had the effect of chasing tourists out of the country, we needed to find a way to resolve that. Hence, we needed to check at the borders if there was a significant spike of people who had visited South Africa as tourists and are leaving. If there was such a spike, we wanted to act in mitigation.
“In this regard, we reasoned that if tourists are in trouble, their first port of call will be the tourist industry operators and the ministry of tourism. If the industry feels threatened, they will approach the Tourism Ministry. It is with that in mind that we approached Minister De Lille to find out how many people approached her as a consequence of actions emanating from this circular,” he said.
Motsoaledi said De Lille informed the department that only one case was referred to her department and she immediately contacted the Department of Home Affairs and the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the individual concerned.
He said they also scouted ports of entry, especially the airports, to see if such individuals were encountered.
“It was at the Cape Town International Airport where five people are said to have encountered problems because they were declared undesirable due to their overstay in the country. We have instructed officials to take steps so that this undesirability status could be lifted without any waste of time,” he said.
Declaring people ‘undesirable’
Turning to the concept of declaring people undesirable, Motsoaledi said the word ‘undesirable’ is perhaps by itself unfortunate, but it is the term used when the Immigration Act of 2002 was enacted in Parliament.
He explained that in all the ports of entry in and out of South Africa, they have an electronic movement control system (MCS). When people enter the country, the MCS electronically records the date and time of entry.
“As you would know, your passports and visas indicate the number of days you have been allocated to be in South Africa. If you exceed your allocated days, even by just one day, the MCS at the borders will pick it up, regard it as an overstay, and automatically declare you undesirable.
“Fortunately, lawmakers in this country also realised that there could be myriad reasons that may cause a person to exceed their allocated days. Hence in the Act, the legislature empowers the Minister to review and set aside an undesirability status on application by the affected individual if cogent reasons are provided,” he said.
The Minister explained that when one applies for the extension of their visa before it expires, they are given a receipt, which has a reference number with which they can trace their application.
“In case your visa expires before the department has responded to your application, that receipt will act as an extension of your visa until such time you get a response, negative or positive. This means that no law enforcement officer, immigration officer or officials at the port of entry may trouble you while you are carrying such a receipt.
“As I said earlier on, when the circular was issued, it was an attempt to guide BMA officials because they were regarded as new at the borders.
“If there is anybody who was declared undesirable whilst they were carrying their receipt, they need to present themselves to the department so that their undesirability status can be removed,” he said.
The Minister said given that they have identified only one person from the Department of Tourism and five at the Cape Town International Airport, they are not in a position to conclude that these were the only people who were negatively affected by the circular.
“So today, we are making a call to the people in the industry or any other institution which is in a position to identity such people, so that we can immediately resolve their issues. Up [till now], the accusations directed at Home Affairs are full of generalities, anecdotes and no specific cases were given to us.
“We are pleading today, that anybody who wants to [make accusations] must please be specific because accusations without providing specific details won’t help the individuals affected…” Motsoaledi said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 13:32
238 views
Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections
Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections
The Independent Electoral Commission says over 27.79 million voters - the highest since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, are eligible to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
According to the Commission, the voters’ roll will be certified by the Chief Electoral Officer today.
Briefing media in Pretoria on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the voters' roll will be published by making it available at the Commission’s head office, each of the nine provincial offices of the Commission and at each municipal office of the Commission.
“The certification follows the finalisation of objections by the Commission on the provisional voters’ roll that was published for inspection on 26 February 2024. Certification signals confirmation of those citizens who are eligible to vote in the elections,” he said.
Mamabolo said the electronic copies of the voters’ roll, which contain the redacted identity numbers of voters, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act will be provided to all political parties and independent candidates who have qualified to contest the elections.
“Since the voters’ roll was compiled for the first time ahead of the 1999 National and Provincial Elections, it has shown steady growth of over 35% and contains the highest number of registered voters, recording an increase of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.
“The provincial breakdown of the registered voters indicate that Gauteng remains the biggest voting block, followed by the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, respectively.
“The highlight of the certified roll is the increase in the rate of representation by persons in the age cohort 18 - 39 years. This age band accounts for 42% (or 11. 7 million) voters on the voters’ roll,” he said.
Mamabolo said of the 27.79 million voters, 15 million are female, representing over 55%.
“The introduction of the online self-service voter registration modality has contributed to the increased rate of registration by younger voters in the country, as well as by citizens who are resident outside of the Republic,” he said.
Mamabolo said compliance verification of the candidate nomination submissions is under way.
“In terms of the law, a party submission must contain a list of candidates accompanied by payment of the applicable deposit for it to be compliant. In respect of unrepresented parties, the submission must in addition, be accompanied by proof that the requisite number of signatures have been uploaded on the nomination portal,” he said.
According to Mamabolo, the requirements for independent candidates are that a prescribed nomination form must be submitted by the cut-off time, accompanied by the prescribed form confirming that the candidate has submitted the requisite number of signatures and payment of the relevant deposit.
“Failure by a party or independent candidate to comply with any of these foundation nomination requirements cannot be remedied and will result in the disqualification of the party or independent candidate,” he said.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The President Ramaphosa has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Electoral Commission on the election date.
READ | Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections
The announcement of the Election Date comes after the successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.
READ | IEC campaign to help youth participate in democracy
The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.
President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of the democratic calendar. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:04
431 views
Musiquelaine SA Unveils a New Era of Empowering Youth Through Music Education and Cultural Exchange
Cape Town, South Africa, March 04, 2024 – Musiquelaine SA, a respected non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering cultural understanding, and championing the universal language of music, celebrated its 10th-anniversary celebration on the 21st of February 2024! Founder Lainey Trequesser expresses deep gratitude for the organisation’s journey thus far and anticipates the forthcoming relaunch …
Four foreign nationals, South African found guilty of fraud and corruption
Four foreign nationals, South African found guilty of fraud and corruption
Five people, including four foreign nationals and one South African national, have been found guilty of fraud and corruption by the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said Tausi Majani Kahwere (25) and John Majani Kahwere (44), who are both Congolese, were convicted on Monday.
Other three accused, Morshed Alam (25), Saiful Islam Sujon (43), both Bangladeshi nationals and Oliver Whendle Hurriparsad (42), a South African national, were found guilty on Tuesday.
Mogale said the convictions follow a lengthy investigation by the National Serious Corruption Investigation, in collaboration with Department of Home Affairs' Counter Corruption in KwaZulu-Natal, which resulted in a lengthy trial until all the accused pleaded guilty.
It is reported that during 2021, a Department of Home Affairs official, Judy Zuma, operating with a foreign national’s syndicate, colluded with South African citizens to assist foreign nationals from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Democratic Republic of Congo to obtain South African passports by using their identity documents and biometrics.
“The foreign nationals fraudulently replaced the owners’ photos with theirs and assumed the names of the South African citizens. The official, Judy Zuma, has since pleaded guilty and convicted on 1 159 counts of fraud, corruption, contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 and contravention of the Identification Act,” Mogale said.
Mogale said the foreign nationals were arrested between 2021 and 2023 as they were boarding flights to different destinations, and already gone through the airport processes.
The suspects were found guilty of all seven charges brought against them, including fraud; corruption: Contravention of Section 3, Act 12 f 2004; Contravention of Section 18 (1) (a) of the Identification Act, Act 68 of 1998; Contravention of Section 49 (7) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002; Corruption under Section 3, Act 12 of 2004; and Contravention of Section 18 (1) (a) (c) of Identification Act.
Mogale said the Congolese duo will be sentenced on Friday, while the trio will be sentenced on 21 May 2024, and Zuma will be sentenced on 05 April 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:51
637 views
Special votes: all you need to know
Special votes: all you need to know
With the General Elections coming up on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has detailed how the electorate can apply for special votes.
A special vote allows a registered voter, who can't vote at their voting station on Election Day, to apply to vote on a predetermined day before Election Day.
To qualify for a special vote, you must be unable to visit your local voting station on voting day because you are pregnant, infirm or have another disability that prevents you from visiting a voting station on Election Day.
You may also be eligible for a special vote if for other reasons, such as work.
Special votes can either be cast at home (where IEC officials visit you at your residence) or at a voting station.
Special votes and home visits for this year's general elections will take place on 27 and 28 May. The IEC says the closing date to apply for special votes is 3 May.
How to apply
To begin the online application for a special vote, visit the IEC website on https://www.elections.org.za/. Then navigate to the “Voters” tab and under the tab, click on “Apply for a special vote” in the middle column.
You can apply if you:
- Are a registered voter.
- Have a valid South African identity document (green, barcoded ID book; smartcard ID or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate).
To check that you're registered and to find out where you're registered, you can:
- Check your voter registration status.SMS your ID number to 32810, or
- Call the IEC's contact centre on 012 622 5700.
By law, you can apply for a special vote if you:
- Can’t travel to your voting station because you are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, or
- Can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day.
How to apply for a special vote at your voting station
If you can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day, you can apply to cast a special vote at your voting station on the predetermined date only, as per the election timetable, in one of the following ways:
- Using the IEC's secured online application form.
- By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS). (For special vote at a voting station only.)
- By visiting your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submitting a MEC 35 form. Forms can only be hand-delivered (no emails or faxes accepted), but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf.
Make an appointment at your local IEC office
If you can’t apply for a special vote online, you can do it in person at your local IEC office. If you want to apply for a special vote at your home, you can send a relative or spouse to apply on your behalf.
You first need to make an appointment. You can do that by calling your local IEC office.
After you have made an appointment, you can visit your local IEC office during the operating hours of Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
A the local IEC office, you will need to present the MEC 35 form. You can download the form online or you can request this form at the IEC office.
How to check special vote application status
After you’ve submitted your special vote application, you can review the status of your application online via SMS or by calling the IEC call centre.
Check special vote application status online
Visit the IECs website. On the home page, click the “I want to” Tab and then click “Check the status of special vote application”.
From there, you will be directed to the special vote status check. You will need to select the election you’re applying for and enter your ID number.
You will then be redirected to a page that will display the status of your special vote application.
Check special vote application status via IEC
You can also call the IEC call centre on 0800 11 8000 and follow the prompts to get information about your special vote application status. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/06/2024 - 13:51
301 views
Unveiling the Essential Role of Hospitality Linen Suppliers in South Africa
In the realm of hospitality, where comfort and luxury are paramount, the role of linen suppliers cannot be overstated. These suppliers form an integral part of the hospitality industry in South Africa, providing establishments with the essential linens that contribute to the overall guest experience. From hotels and resorts to restaurants and event venues, the demand for …
Kamagra Oral Jelly Effectiveness: Real Results?
When it comes to managing erectile dysfunction, a myriad of solutions promise to restore the vitality and confidence that can be shaken by this common condition. Among them is Kamagra Oral Jelly, a product heralded for its supposed effectiveness as an ED treatment. Originating from India, this medication has piqued the interest of many searching for an affordable and …
Safeguarding Your Wealth: Asset Security in the Fintech Era
The financial technology (fintech) law and regulatory landscape is constantly evolving and could present first-mover fintech opportunities for those who keep up-to-date with these developments. In this article we delve into strategies and best practices for asset protection for those venturing into the realm of fintech investments. The Fintech Landscape Fintech has revolutionised the financial …
Queer Art Exhibition in Durban
Durban, February 17th 2024: Art enthusiasts, critics, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant and thought-provoking world of queer artistry at the upcoming exhibition titled “Reflections of Apollo.” This groundbreaking showcase, curated by The Apollo Queer Art Collective, promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of identity, diversity, …
Investigation launched after skull found next to graveyard
Investigation launched after skull found next to graveyard
Police in Mbuzini, Mpumalanga, have opened an investigation following the discovery of a human skull next to a graveyard and railway line on 13 February 2024.
While performing their duties, police received information from the community about a human skull found at Hhoyi Trust next to Mbuzini.
The police responded and upon arrival found the skull on the ground. Other relevant stakeholders were summoned to the scene. An inquest has been opened.
“Currently, police are working hard to get the identity of the person whose skull belongs to, hence any member of the public with information that may assist in achieving this goal may go to the nearest Police Station or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111,” said the police in the statement.
Alternatively, members of the public can send information via My SAPS App.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:55
443 views
Elevate Corporate Gifting with Brand Name Gifts from Perkal Promo
Introduction In the domain of corporate gifting and promotional strategies, the influence of a name holds immense weight. Brand name corporate gifts and promotional products transcend mere objects; they embody qualities of quality, dependability, and prestige. Acting as a bridge, these gifts establish connections between businesses and their clients, employees, and partners in a manner …
Limpopo police investigate fatal crash
Limpopo police investigate fatal crash
The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, Thembi Hadebe, has ordered an immediate probe into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash that claimed seven lives on the R101 between Mookgophong and Mokopane in the Waterberg District in the early hours of Sunday.
The accident involves members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and a sedan motor vehicle.
According to reports, a Renault sedan collided head-on with a Toyota light delivery van, which was traveling from Mookgophong towards Mokopane.
All five people in the Renault sedan and two passengers from the SAPS Toyota light delivery van (a police officer and an inmate) died on the scene.
The driver of the SAPS vehicle, a sergeant, was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving medical attention.
The cause of the horific accident is still unknown and is currently being investigated.
Hadebe has sent messages of condolences to the bereaved families and wished the driver a speedy recovery.
The passenger in the SAPS vehicle, who died on the scene, was identified as Constable M.M. Makwela, who was attached to SAPS Naboomspruit.
The identity of the inmate, who also died at the scene, as well as the five deceased from the other vehicle, will be released as soon as the next of kin are notified. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 14:38
452 views
Your “hot date” may be a hotline to becoming a scam victim
Your “hot date” may be a hotline to becoming a scam victim: Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and seeing a couple going out on a “first date”, consider that this may be their first in-person date and that they have been interacting (dating) online for months. According …
Traversing International Relocations: The Role of Cultural Intelligence
As the Managing Director of Crown Relocations South Africa, a leading force in international relocation, Ian Pettey has witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with moving families across borders. International relocations represent not just a change in geography but a profound shift in culture, lifestyle, and identity. In this era of globalisation, where …
Why South Africa’s networks need to defend against the devastating effect of SIM swap fraud
Mobile networks must not be complacent about SIM swap fraud and they need to prioritise the protection of customers. This is according to Gur Geva, Founder and CEO of iiDENTIFii (www.iiDENTIFii.com).
“Although SABRIC has noted a slight decline in reported SIM swap fraud in its latest report, mobile service providers still need to tighten up their data security to protect against fraudsters using false identities and SIM swap scams,” says Geva.
This is particularly relevant as telecommunications and banking industries become increasingly intertwined. Banks now offer mobile services, while mobile network operators provide financial services, and so there is a convergence between the regulatory requirements of FICA and RICA. This shift has led to heightened identity theft risks, requiring mobile operators to adopt stringent identity verification practices inspired by the financial sector's standards.
Operators need to define practical, robust security solutions that adhere to and surpass current telco legislation. Geva says, “In order to combat SIM swap and identity fraud, networks should focus on the provision of simple, scalable and safe digital identity. This has a far-reaching impact, not only on safer mobile use and the protection of consumers from fraud, but also on the ability of consumers to access mobile, financial and governmental services through their phones.”
The current state of SIM swap fraud
SABRIC's 2022 crime report (https://apo-opa.co/3HRlavN) notes that mobile banking fraud saw a 9% reduction in reported incidents in 2022, and that SIM swap incidents declined from 87% in 2021 to 76% (7 657) in 2022. While this reduction is positive, there are still thousands of SIM swap fraud incidents reported each year.
“Cyber-crime will continue to evolve, and networks need to be prepared for increasingly sophisticated SIM swap attacks. Their strongest line of defense is in securing the identity of a person's identity to each SIM,” says Geva.
The effectiveness of this approach has been demonstrated in nations such as Kenya, Namibia, Pakistan and Russia, which have all been enforcing varying levels of biometric SIM registration to deter fraudsters.
Increasing legislation to prevent attacks
The nature of these SIM-related crimes goes beyond financial crimes and SIM swap fraud.
“For the cost of a few unregistered SIM cards at R5 each from a roadside vendor, planning a murder becomes untraceable by police through RICA, and thus virtually risk-free,” says Natasha Mazzone, the DA's Shadow Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in an article on RICA legislation (https://apo-opa.co/3HRtZp4).
In 2022, ICASA published draft regulations that would require mobile network operators to collect subscriber biometric data. ICASA said these regulations would reduce instances of mobile number hijacking via fraudulent SIM swaps and number porting. However, this was met by hesitance from consumers and organisations such as Communications Risk Information Centre (COMRiC). Consumers feared that the collection of biometric data would compromise their privacy, while COMRiC felt that biometrics as a single solution was too limited in its scope and challenging to implement at scale.
What networks can do
Mobile networks (as owners of the SIM and the technology behind it) should consider implementing clear strategies and leading technologies to mitigate SIM swap fraud and protect their customers. And while SIM swaps constitute one problem, identity fraud is far more problematic.
“When it comes to securing a person's identity, we believe that face biometrics offer the most secure solution,” adds Geva.
In South Africa, face biometrics would be able to verify whether the person registering a SIM is live and doing it in the present moment, as well as binding the SIM card to that applicant's identity and facial image. It can validate barcoded identification documents presented, RICA or FICA details and a facial image back to the Department of Home Affairs. This prevents identity fraud and proves that the individual applying for services online is a ‘live' person and not a deepfake. SIM swaps become a moot point, as all SIM cards are then data bound to a legitimate individual with accurate RICA requirements.
The question of surveillance
Biometrics are deeply personal, but opt-in biometrics do not open consumers up to surveillance.
“Because biometric technology only started making its way into the mainstream relatively recently, consumers are still unsure of what the technology entails and how it may be used. This, naturally, leads to some misconceptions and fears. The reality is that opt-in biometrics are the most secure way to identify someone – and keep their information and identity safe from misuse – and these differ a great deal from biometrics used for surveillance,” says Geva.
Remote biometric onboarding links a person's biometric data, whether their face or fingerprint, to their account so that they, and only they, can access the account safely and securely. This protects them from fraud.
The question of implementation
In terms of successfully rolling out biometric identity for mobile phones in Africa to protect consumers and companies from SIM-related crime, two key criteria need to be met: scalability and accessibility.
“I urge network providers in Africa to invest in enterprise-grade identity platforms that are robust, scalable and built to handle growing subscribers and fraud-prevention demands,” says Geva. “For example, most of South Africa's leading banks have relied on our own enterprise-grade platform at iiDENTIFI to roll out fast and effective mobile banking verification initiatives at scale. This has proven that, with a simple, fast and friction-free tool, consumers are willing to pass through an extra layer of digital protection.”
“SIM swaps are still a major problem, and networks still have a way to go in protecting consumers. By securing identity for all SIM at the moment of registration, it is possible to make great leaps in providing protection against SIM-related crimes.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iiDENTIFii.
About iiDENTIFii:
iiDENTIFii is an award-winning face authentication and identity verification platform that distinguishes itself through its use of 3D and 4D Liveness® detection. Purpose-built for enterprises across Africa and the Middle East, iiDENTIFii enables frictionless, scalable customer onboarding in seconds from anywhere and on any device. Founded in 2018, iiDENTIFii has become a proven key partner in multiple tier 1 African banks. The technology plugs seamlessly into existing infrastructures, including mobile and web-based platforms. www.iiDENTIFii.com
Good start to second voter registration weekend
Good start to second voter registration weekend
The Electoral Commission has announced that 304 221 voters have visited voting stations in the initial hours of the first day of the second voter registration weekend.
This was ahead of the country’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
Of these, 55 019 were persons who were registering for the first time.
“The Electoral Commission is pleased to report that the second registration weekend for the imminent 2024 National and Provincial Elections got off to a good start.
“This early turnout not only sets a positive tone for the registration period but also serves as a testament that citizens remain engaged with affairs of their country,” the IEC said on Saturday.
The IEC said that within five hours of the registration process getting underway across the network of 23,303 voting stations nationwide, over 99% of stations were operational within minutes of the commencement time of 8 am.
This as the Commission is holding the second voter registration weekend on 3 and 4 February 2024 in preparation for the general elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures. The first voter registration weekend was held from 18 - 19 November 2023.
The Electoral Commission extended its sincere appreciation to the 68,718 electoral officers for their duty to the country as well as the citizens for their enthusiastic participation.
“Whether you are a first-time participant or a seasoned voter, we encourage all South Africans to seize this historic moment by registering and casting their votes in the forthcoming elections.
“Today alone, the online voter registration portal recorded over 20 325 (7 234 new) voter registration transactions. We urge voters who may have had a less than pleasant experience using the online platform, to try again. The online portal remains available 24 hours a day until the day the elections are proclaimed,” the IEC said.
The weekend’s important registration activity comes on the back of two major achievements by the Commission which are:
- The national voters’ roll has, for the first time, surpassed the 27 million mark. In the 2019 National and Provincial Elections (NPE), the certified voters’ roll stood at 26.7 million.
- The online registration platform continues to prove that it is the mainstay of registrations in between general voter registration weekends. It has recorded just under 200 000 new registrations since the registration weekend in November 2023. Overall registration activity in that period stood at 498 000.
Meanwhile, for those in need of assistance with identity documents, the Department of Home Affairs offices are open this weekend, facilitating the collection and issuance of necessary documents for registration purposes.
The Commission extended profound gratitude to the department for the exceptional support it is rendering.
“It is important to reiterate that our collective goal, as a nation, is to ensure that every one of the eligible voters in South Africa is registered to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. It is, therefore, apposite that we remind voters of the general rule in elections.
“That is, a person votes at a voting station where they are registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notification to the Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the IEC said.
The Commission has further encouraged all eligible voters to seize the remaining hours of the registration weekend to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation, whether online or at registration stations. – SAnews.gov.za
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Sun, 02/04/2024 - 08:53
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