Today, the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, launched a "We are Africa" mobile application (app) in Pretoria to support government's anti-xenophobia campaign.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has initiated and supported the development of a mobile technology-based app meant to provide an online platform for South Africans to pledge their support for the government's campaign against the xenophobic attacks.

The mobile app, which is freely downloadable, primarily enables users to access two key functions, which are as follows:

1. 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.

2. The user will be able to report any incident or potential incident of violence or incitement. 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.

Speaking during the launch, Minister Naledi Pandor said, "This 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."

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.

This mobile app has been developed jointly with Mobile Laboratory (m-Lab), a dedicated DST-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 first version of the application can be accessed through any device capable of Internet connection (e.g. PCs, laptops, tablets, cellphones) by visiting www.weareafrica.mobi.

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

The Minister was joined by the senior management of the DST, as well as representatives of m-Lab, at the launch. In addition, Minister Pandor, together with the staff of the DST and its entities, signed a huge banner that will be placed in the foyer of the department.

 

Issued by The Department of Science and Technology