Comments on: The RICA what?

By: Grant Day

Grant Day — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:59:57 +0000

31.12.2010

By: fay

fay — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:47:26 +0000

Thank you Grant.
I find this site to be most informative with regards to the RICA act. You are highlighting most of the concerns I had as soon as I came to know of it. This whole thing is something I am definitely not comfortable with. I do see how it could be beneficial in curbing crime, but in my view the cons far outweigh the pros and as such, couldn’t government conceive of a better plan, perhaps one that doesn’t violate our privacy? It seems to me that our safety and security could also be at stake here, because I don’t think it would be to difficult for criminal elements who have the know how to access individual persons’ details, which would include home addresses and other information that could help them to find lucrative targets for their criminal activities.
Anyway, could you please also tell me when exactly the deadline is? I’ve been browsing other sites but I can’t seem to find out when it is.
Thanks again.

By: Grant Day

Grant Day — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:30:47 +0000

Hi Fay, I’m not sure what penalties, if any are stipulated in the act. Personally I’m not registering and I’m sure they will make it clearer as to penalties, if any, closer to the deadlines. So I don’t see any harm in not registering unless you absolutely need a new phone or are on contract.

By: fay

fay — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:31:15 +0000

Hi there!
I’m new to all of this. Could you tell me what happens if I simply don’t register my sim?

By: Grant Day

Grant Day — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:03:59 +0000

Hi Phil

Thanks for your perspective. I’d forgotten how many under 21′s there are who have cellphones and who probably commit heineous crimes daily, you know like, chatting to mates on MXit, taking pictures and generally showing off their new cellphone.
Ill conceived… or a brilliant and lucrative ploy?
“Fighting for peace, is like screwing for virginity.” Once again the government caught “screwing for virginity”.

Thanks, Grant

By: Phil Coombs

Phil Coombs — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:34:04 +0000

I was sitting outside the school one day waiting to pick my daughter up and reading the RICA pamphlet about what information is required to register. It occurred to me as I watched all the kids reach for their cell phones from school bags as if in a high noon draw as soon as they emerged from the gate, that one of the requirements is proof of physical address.

The Pamphlet states:
One physical address. You will need to show any document that includes your name and residential address such as bank statement, municipal rates, cellphone or retail account (not older than 3 months), existing lease, rental or credit agreement, insurance policy, current TV or motor vehicle license.

I wondered how many of the thousands of children that carry cell phones today have any of the above proof of residence. This method of communication has become vital in our assurance of our childs whereabouts (via searchforme etc.) and emergency contact – trust me, we need it!

The next point states that if you live in an informal settlement you can provide a letter and/or affidavit from a school, church on an official letterhead or have school, church etc. official stamp.

And to add to that – how many children have got official ID documents in terms of either:
Green barcoded ID document
ID Card
Temporary ID certificate or
Passport

In my opinion the whole idea is ill-conceived and was probably birthed during a drunken game of “truth, dare or promise” at one of the ministers’ parties funded by tax payers…