RICA your SIM card

"The Department of Communications appeals to all South African citizens to register their SIM cards whether they are cellular, data or other SIM cards used for mobile devices," it said on Monday, 13 June 2011.

Known as the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA), the law is designed to limit crime committed using cell phones and curb the theft of such devices. RICA provides for the lawful interception of communications, such as voice and data conversations between persons, including phone calls, emails and postal services.

The act is in the interest of the individual's right to privacy and can only be done after authorisation by a judge, who is specially designated to carry out this role or function.

"Failure to comply with the deadline will result in SIMs being locked. Those who have not registered will not be able to make or receive calls and will not be able to send SMSes or use data," Communications Deputy Minister Obed Bapela said.

RICA applies to both contract and prepaid users and it is obligatory for all cell phone and other data users to comply.

The department further urged all SIM card users to go to their mobile service providers with their proof of residence and identity documents (IDs) before or on 30 June 2011 for registration.

Last November, Cabinet postponed the deadline for registration by six months to allow cellular network operators to register as many people as they can and ensure very few, if any, are cut off.

Mobile operators initially had until the end of December 2010 to register their clients. They had been pushing for an extension, with the service providers feeling that the deadline was far too tight.