The City of Cape Town has introduced a new technology—a WhatsApp chatbot named Hello-RITA!—designed to help eligible residents renew their municipal benefits.
The City of Cape Town announced this technology this week, clarifying that the bot is currently intended exclusively for renewal processes. In the future, authorities plan to expand its functionality to provide full service regarding tax benefits and assistance for those in need.
The City stated that pensioners, social benefit recipients, and other eligible residents who previously received tax discounts and aid from the City must submit a renewal application if they have not already done so. Starting this week, those who need to renew or submit a new application will receive messages via SMS or email containing a link to the innovative multilingual chatbot, Hello-RITA!. It is important to note that at this stage, the bot operates only for renewals, not for new applications.
An eligible resident will receive an SMS or email containing their account number. They will then be prompted to click an embedded link, which will open a series of prompts to complete the re-submission of the application. The chat is available for 24 hours; if the user fails to complete the application within this timeframe, they will have to start the process over. With all necessary supporting documents available, completing the application usually takes no more than 30 minutes.
A list of required documents is available in English, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans. To verify a message received from the City, please contact the City Call Centre at 0860 103 089.
Residents of Cape Town can now purchase digital vouchers to donate to people experiencing homelessness as an alternative to handing over cash.
The local non-profit organization U-turn Homeless Ministries, in collaboration with Mould Empower Serve (MES), has implemented the Mi-change voucher system. The public can buy a voucher worth 15 South African Rand by scanning the SnapScan QR code, which is linked to a registered participant.
Cape Town Mayor, Jordyn Hill-Lewis, expressed his support for this cashless system, urging citizens to donate digitally. Hill-Lewis noted: 'Mi-change is exactly the innovative solution our city needs.' He added that 'every digital voucher is a step forward, and every person who donates becomes part of this recovery.'
Carmen Dickenson, National Manager of Mi-change, explained that the digital vouchers are designed to meet basic needs while connecting people with long-term rehabilitation programs. Since the vouchers are digital, they cannot be exchanged or sold on the streets. Dickenson emphasized: 'Our main goal is to provide people a way out of homelessness.' She also noted that using Mi-change digital vouchers helps ensure a safe and practical way to meet needs, reducing street begging and limiting the presence of cash on the streets.
Dickenson reported that the organization chose SnapScan, an established mobile payment application in South Africa, to provide a reliable and familiar platform for donors. When using any voucher, the participant must interact with staff from the program support service. These vouchers can be used to receive food, showers, clothing, or a bed at designated U-turn centers and MES shelters in Cape Town.
Mi-change was selected globally to receive funding of US$500,000 (R8.2 million) for a two-year period, which will help expand the program's reach and accessibility.
