RICA stands for Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication Related Information Act – and it is a law in South Africa that regulates the interception of communications and associated processes such as applications for and authorization of interception of communications.
RICA started on 22nd of January 2003 and published under the Government Gazette of South Africa number 28075. RICA registration is done in person and the SIM card will be registered as you leave the store. Any unregistered SIM card should be inactive – The RICA registration process is done in minutes, you can de-register a SIM card.
Documents required to RICA
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- Your Full names and Surname as they appear on your South African Green bar-coded ID Documents, Smart ID card, and passport
- Your ID Number is shown on your ID Document, Smart ID Card or a Passport number
- Your identity
- Proof of Residents using Bank Statement, TV License, Insurance Policy, Lease Agreement, levy statement, electricity bill, etc. and if you stay in an informal settlement you can use the certified address of the nearest school, community center, church, retail store, etc.
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NO COPIES WILL BE ALLOWED
RICA Purpose
This is part of crime prevention, where all SIM card has to be registered in compliance with RICA. Each SIM card has to be registered in person.
It is very important to report lost SIMs – RICA law is very important and the government takes it very seriously. You can face possible jail time or a fine if you fail to comply with the directives of the Act.
Service Providers – may be fined an amount not exceeding R100 000 a day on which failure to comply continues.
Individuals – may be imprisoned for a period not exceeding 12 months or may-be fined.
Companies – and people liable may be fined an amount not exceeding R2 000 000, or face imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years.
If you find that the identity document used to RICA is false, report the matter to the police station within 24 hours.
