Background

Across the globe, mobile phone technologies are proving to be a key tool for those working for social change.

Africa is cited as the fastest growing mobile phone network in the world and South Africa in particular has mobile phones in the hands of over 80% of the population.

Further studies are beginning to demonstrate the positive impact that mobile phones can have on economic development and social capital.

Within the health sector, studies are beginning to indicate that mobile phone technologies are enabling greater efficiency and access to services. Mobile phones are continuing to spread across the continent in unanticipated ways.

About SocialTxt

SocialTxt is a mobile messaging platform that uses the available advertising space on 'please call me' (PCM) messages, to communicate selected information to a specific target audience.

In the South African society where more than 80% of the population has access to a mobile phone, SocialTxt therefore offers a unique medium that allows direct communication with over 39 Million South Africans.

Possible Uses

Using data-driven monitoring, SocialTxt works closely with any type of partner to create and deliver effective messages that will significantly enhance access to information and services on a massive scale.

Objectives

Current marketing and media tools used by nonprofit organizations to communicate to their intended beneficiaries or supporters audience, is limited to radio, television, print & word of mouth. These forms of communications bear no guarantee of reaching the end user or intended benficiary. Through use of the PCM advertising space, SocialTxt's objective is to give non-profit organizations the ability to reach a potential 900,000 individuals in South Africa per day with essential information aligned towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). South Africans currently send a total of 30 Million PCM messages per day accross all three mobile network operators (Vodacom, Cell C, MTN), with clients allowed to send a maximum of 8 PCMs per day - free of charge. The objective therefore is to use this tool for mass messaging which will have a positive social impact.