South Africa govt launches mobile app to fight xenophobia

Launched in Pretoria, the “We are Africa” mobile application is meant to provide an online platform for South Africans to pledge their support for the campaign against the attacks.

According to the department, the app is freely downloadable and enables users to access two key functions.

The first function allows for users of an Internet-enabled device to pledge support for the “We are Africa” campaign.

“The app will automatically capture the geographic location of the person, which will allow an analysis of spatially-based sentiments and patterns, thereby supporting decision-making. The app will give users the option of providing their demographic details, such as gender, age group, race, etc., without revealing their identity,” said the department.

Secondly, the user will be able to report any incident or potential incident of violence or incitement.

The department said this will be near real time and could enable relevant authorities such as the SAPS or the Metro Police to respond swiftly to prevent the incident from occurring, or to enforce the law where it has already occurred.

Two of the people who developed the “We are Africa” mobile app are from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively, namely, Tchisseke Vicente and Herve Ntubi.

Speaking during the launch, Minister Pandor said the mobile app was developed jointly with Mobile Laboratory (m-Lab), a dedicated department-supported mobile application development initiative based at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria.

The Hub and the CSIR Meraka Institute incubate young entrepreneurs in the mobile app space.

“The application is a great example of the talent and passion the youth of South Africa have for creating solutions that speak to our everyday needs and how they collaborate as citizens of Africa,” said Minister Pandor.

The first version of the application can be accessed through any device capable of Internet connection – such as. PCs, laptops, tablets, cellphones.

The app will be available through Android, Apple and Windows stores in the next few days.

During the launch, the Minister was joined by the department’s senior management, as well as representatives of m-Lab.