| dc.description.abstract | This article investigates the concept of using cell–phone technology for obtaining information
about unofficial (off–register) transfers in land as are commonly undertaken by the urban poor in
South Africa. Since the introduction of social housing programmes in South Africa after the
democratic elections in 1994, mass land distribution and housing projects have been
undertaken. Formal transfer of these properties has been discouraged by policy (such as a
moratorium on transfers for a period of years), and the inaccessibility of land professionals and
formal processes to the poor. From the disuse of formal transfer mechanisms one can conclude
that these fail, at least in part, to meet the needs of this segment of society. Cell– (mobile) phone
technology penetrates urban poverty more than other interactive technologies such as the
internet, largely due to the lack of access to computers and the 'digital divide'. The aim of this
article is exploratory. It investigates the potential use of cell–phone technology as a means to
inform authorities that a transfer of property has taken place informally or semi–formally. Such
information could pave the way for a process of formal registration and hence aid the upkeep of
the deeds registration system. Research into the potential use of the cell–phone as an
information and communication technology (ICT) tool of land administration, particularly in the
developing world, is undertaken. It is envisaged that a more detailed investigation will follow,
which will include an analysis of organisational and legislative capacity. Further study in which
the use of cell–phone technology in land administration is tested, taking into consideration
structural/organisational factors as well as socio–economic and cultural factors and motivating
factors for use, may be required. | en_US |
