South Africa’s cellular operators have agreed on a framework to strengthen Sim-card registration and submitted proposals to authorities for legislative reform of Rica, in a coordinated push to curb the fraudulent Sim registrations that underpin a spread of different crimes.
The Affiliation of Comms & Know-how (ACT), which represents Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, Rain and Liquid Clever Applied sciences, stated the “framework settlement” introduces enhanced registration, verification, monitoring and compliance measures, and is meant to function as an interim, industry-led safeguard whereas authorities considers adjustments to the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Associated Info Act (Rica).
In parallel, ACT stated it has submitted proposals to the division of justice to reform part 40 of the act, which governs Sim registration.
The transfer follows engagements convened underneath the justice, crime prevention and safety cluster and is the formalisation of a course of TechCentral first reported in October, when ACT CEO Nomvuyiso Batyi stated the {industry} was searching for extra speedy methods to fight Sim fraud with out ready for Rica amendments which have repeatedly stalled.
“The laws has not been up to date for some time. Each time it’s up to date and despatched up the chain, it’s turned again,” she stated on the time.
The enhancement measures, in accordance with ACT, embody stronger identification verification, tighter registration controls, improved compliance monitoring, better oversight of distribution channels and nearer cooperation with legislation enforcement.
‘Pre-Rica’d’
A recognized weak point within the present regime is the majority pre-registration of Sims by some distributors and resellers, who then promote “pre-Rica’d” playing cards, a apply TechCentral has beforehand reported is made simpler by packaging that exposes a Sim’s figuring out numbers.
Among the many options the {industry} has mentioned are wider use of biometric authentication at registration factors and a return to safe Sim packaging throughout all channels.
Learn: Sim crime goes industrial as fraudsters goal South Africa’s digital financial system
“The challenges related to Sim card registration require a coordinated response involving authorities, {industry} and legislation enforcement,” Batyi stated. “We consider the mix of speedy industry-led measures and longer-term legislative reform supplies a sensible pathway in direction of strengthening client safety, supporting prison investigations and enhancing the integrity of South Africa’s communications ecosystem.”
She added that each one events concerned within the distribution, sale and activation of Sims on behalf of taking part operators could be required to adjust to the improved measures “with out exception”.
As a result of the measures contain rivals coordinating on customer-onboarding guidelines, ACT engaged the Competitors Fee earlier than and in the course of the course of. The fee indicated the contemplated measures have been unlikely to boost competitors considerations offered acceptable safeguards have been maintained. ACT stated the discussions between operators needed to happen within the presence of a contest lawyer, with minutes stored. — © 2026 NewsCentral Media
