What is RICA?

RICA is the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act. The customer registration section of the RICA, as set out by the South African Government requires everyone who has an active cellphone number or purchases a new Prepaid Starter Pack, to register their SIM cards from 1 July 2009.

Why must you register?

• RICA registration is a legislative requirement from the South African Government;
• All users of SIM cards are required to comply with this new law;
• This new legislation aims to help law enforcement agencies to track criminals using cellphones for illegal activities, thereby contributing to make South Africa safer for everyone.

Who must register?

• All current and new Contract, Top Up and Prepaid customers must register their SIM cards.
• Existing customers: 
  • Current subscribers who have activated their cellphone numbers prior to 1st July 2009, need to register their personal details against that cellphone number (SIM card) in order to comply with the RICA Act. This must be done within 18 months from the 1st of July 2009.
  • Single users: The account holder is required to register their details person ally, except where the account holder has given the SIM card to a non-family member. In that case the person who is using the SIM card has to register the SIM card and provide their personal details. In the case of minors - the personal details of the minor's parents or guardians will be registered.
  • Business / SME / Corporate: The business is required to nominate a representative - Juristic Person - who will register all company SIMs on the account in the company's name.
• New customers: When purchasing a new starter pack, customers are required to register the new SIM card and provide their details. New SIM cards will be activated only once the relevant SIM card has been registered.

Where do you register?

At your service provider's outlets.

What information and documents do you need to take with you to register?

You are required to provide the following information when registering your SIM card:

• Cellphone number
• The SIM card to be registered
• Full names and surname
• ID number or passport number - you will need to show one of the following documents as proof of identity:
  • Green barcoded ID document
  • Temporary ID certificate, or
  • Passport
• Your residential address:
  • You will need to show any document that includes your name and residential address such as a bank statement, municipal rates, cellphone or retail account (not older than three (3) months), existing lease, rental or credit agreement, insurance policy, current TV or motor vehicle license.
  • If you live in an informal settlement you can provide a letter and/or affidavit from a school, church or retail store where you receive your post (this letter must be on an official letterhead or have the stamp of the school, church or retail store).

Please note: Registration must be done in person to confirm your identity.

When must you register?

• You must register for RICA from 1 July 2009, and registration is free.
• New SIM cards: from 1 July 2009 onwards, all new cellphone numbers will have to be registered to be activated.
• Active SIM cards: customers with existing cellphone numbers that are already active on the network will have 18 months from 1 July 2009 to register their SIM cards. By law existing cellphone numbers that are not registered at the end of the 18 month-period will be disconnected from the cellular network until they are registered.

Which SIM cards must be registered?

All Contract, Top Up and Prepaid cellphone numbers must be registered. This includes:

• All data SIM cards used in smartphones, data cards, laptops, modems, etc.;
• Telemetry SIM cards such as the SIM cards used in tracking devices;
• SIM cards in lease-cost routers and other PABX routers;
• New SIM cards in order to have your cellphone number activated;
• Existing cellphone numbers - to ensure that your number does not get disconnected.

When is it your responsibility to be RICA compliant?

• If you own a SIM card
• If you are paying a cellphone contract for yourself
• When a family member's cellphone bill is in your name
• If you're a parent or guardian of minors using SIM cards
• When you transfer a SIM card from another individual's name into your name (Contract and Prepaid)
• When you port your cellphone number to another network.