The Namola App, South Africa’s ‘Uber for Police’, was launched nationally last week, thanks to support from Dialdirect Insurance. Since then, it has been downloaded by over 16 000 South Africans, bringing the total number of users to 100 000.
Warwick Scott-Rodger, Executive Head of Dialdirect says that the App addresses a critical issue that affects all South Africans – the response time of emergency services. It offers a unique solution, using technology to create positive change.
Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula, welcomed the App, saying: “We continue to emphasise that crime fighting requires civil society to work together with police. Modern technology empowers our people to protect themselves and access information and help. I congratulate the team for their launch, and I am motivated by their continued activism in the fight against crime.”
Many communities have created structures to make their areas safe and to support local law enforcement, which is sometimes stretched thin. To support the important work these groups are doing, Namola recently introduced ‘Namola Watch’, which will alert verified participating Community Policing Forums, neighbourhood watches and farm watches of incidents in their area, so that they can further assist users requesting emergency assistance through the Namola App.
Namola’s CEO, Peter Matthaei says: “We would like to thank every person and institution who has downloaded the App. Together we have taken a proactive approach to fighting crime. Your interest in protecting your families and communities is what motivates us to keep on going.”
Deputy Mayor of Ethekweni Municipality, Councillor Fawzia Peer, said it was important to use technology to fight crime.“I encourage all ratepayers to download Namola. We will strive to also respond to emergencies with speed.” She said crime affected everyone and “we have to all work together.”
“We welcome innovations that help all our citizens be safer inside and outside of their homes,” said Cllr John Best, Nelson Mandela Bay MMC for Safety and Security.
Andy Mashaile, Interpol #TurnBackCrime Ambassador and former Gauteng CPF board chairperson said it was important to use technology to #MakeSAsafe: “I encourage everyone to download Namola. Police must respond to emergencies with speed.”
Namola was designed by Happimo, a Non-Profit Organisation, and is made possible with the support of Dialdirect. Download it FREE, either from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit www.namola.com.
For any further information please contact: Jolene Chait on 079 696 2468 or email jolenec@telesure.co.za OR marketing@namola.com, +27 72 844 6375.
