As if life weren't hard enough for refugees trying to forge a new life in South Africa, the online system set up to help them has thrown a big, new barrier their way
Gallo ImagesAs if life weren't hard enough for refugees trying to forge a new life in South Africa, the online system set up to help them has thrown a big, new barrier their way.
The technology is lagging, according to experts familiar with the system, and the poorest pay the highest price. "These products should be targeted at reaching the underserved, like those living in poverty who need them the most," said Andrew Partridge, a senior economist at Research ICT Africa, a local think tank.Refugees say before the system went online, permits they needed to work legally, access healthcare or enrol any children in school were renewed in person every three to six months.
Nina said applicants turned to internet cafes to submit their forms before wily cafe owners spotted a business opportunity in their clients' new need for connectivity. Those willing to press rolled bank notes into security guards' hands made it inside the building, she said. Welfare grant seeker Gloria Dlamini used a friend's phone to make her online aid request; when he moved away, her application moved with him, so she was again shut out of the system.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Africa: Working Towards Doing More Sustainable, Constructive Journalism Grounded in AfricaIn the face of unprecedented environmental, social, and economic challenges, a new understanding of the role of journalism in society is essential.
Read more »
Africa: US Vice President Kamala Harris Kicks Off Africa TripVice President Kamala Harris arrived to cheers in the Ghanaian capital on Sunday, the first leg in her weeklong trip to the continent aimed at deepening US ties.
Read more »
These are the happiest countries in the world – and where South Africa ranksThe recently published World Happiness Report highlights the happiest countries worldwide and where South Africa fits in.
Read more »
Sponsored Content: It’s Greylisting; not Blacklisting: South Africa deals head-on with GreylistingIt is one positive development for South Africa to celebrate – and there are several others – but the recent announcement that Stellantis, the umbrella automotive group housing motor car brands such as Citroën, Jeep, Opel, Peugeot, and Abarth, is planning to develop a car manufacturing facility in one of South Africa’s Industrial Development Zones (IDZ), comes as a relief for the country. This is particularly so considering the country’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), only a few weeks ago.
Read more »
Petrol vs diesel engine – which car is best to buy in South AfricaThere is a lot to consider when deciding whether to buy a petrol or diesel car, especially when there’s a new contender in the mix in 2023.
Read more »
South Africa: Stigma Remains a Barrier in the Fight Against TBStigma and discrimination remain barriers that limit access to tuberculosis (TB) screening, treatment and care - compromising the lives of people who are infected and affected by the disease.
Read more »