FYI play it safe
FYI play it safe is an app for parents that informs them when their child’s online interactions and social media activity show potential signs of cyberbullying, depression, chats with online predators, or when they engage in adult content. This is not a parental control app, but rather an added layer of protection, which gives parents a chance to know when to talk with their children and what to talk about.
FYI play it safe was founded by concerned parents of teens who don’t want to deprive children of using smartphones, but who want to keep children as safe as possible in an online environment without invading their privacy.
Platform: Android
Expect to pay: The family package supporting up to four children will cost R1 200 per annum.
Stockists: Visit the FYI play it safe website here for more information on the app and downloading instructions.
Go to the next page to read about blockchain for the unbanked, a new app for jobseekers, virtual consultations for home-based care, and Telkom’s new digital wallet, operated through WhatsApp.
BanQu
BanQu claims to be the first blockchain-enabled platform for creating economic opportunities for unbanked people around the world.
“The idea behind the solution is to provide a platform where refugees, the displaced, and the poor can maintain a free, secure online profile that provides them with a universal fiscal ID and allows them to begin making and tracking transactions,” says Ashish Gadnis, co-founder of BanQu.
He says that over time, users will build a recognisable, vetted identity, which is a prerequisite for participating in any transaction.
BanQu’s online automated tracking and payment system uses blockchain technology to track and trace materials across the value chain, providing transparency for both buyers and sellers.
Thanks to BanQu’s digital ledger, someone like a homeless recycler can obtain a credit history and become part of the economy.
Users need just a basic phone as the BanQu system sends an SMS when payments are processed.
More about the BanQu platform will be included in this year’s SAPICS supply chain conference.
The virtual SAPICS Conference takes place from 24 to 26 August.
Platform: Visit https://conference.sapics.org/ for more information on the 2021 SAPICS Conference or to register.
Go to the next page to read about a new app for jobseekers, virtual consultations for home-based care, and Telkom’s new digital wallet, operated through WhatsApp.
mPowa
mLab’s mPowa is an app that puts youth employment information into the hands of job seekers.
Users can find real-time information on employment related workshops and courses in their vicinity.
mPowa also offers information on youth centres, colleges, free Wi-Fi spots, Internet cafes and other resources that can help young people overcome some of the obstacles they face when looking for work.
The app is not only for those who wish to find employment, but also aimed at entrepreneurs who have either been building up a business, or are just getting started. The app will connect them with resources like financial assistance or mentorship programmes, including mLab’s own start-up accelerator programmes.
Platform: Any device with an up-to-date Internet browser
Expect to pay: A free service
Stockists: Visit the mPowa website here.
Go to the next page to read about virtual consultations for home-based care, and Telkom’s new digital wallet, operated through WhatsApp.
uConsult
uConsult is a virtual consultation platform, enabling home-based care in South Africa. The system allows healthcare providers to connect with patients, whether they have medical aid cover or not, or which scheme they may belong to.
uConsult connects healthcare providers with patients using simple technology, making it accessible at any time and on most devices. The platform includes an electronic diary, patient file management, the generation of clinical notes and prescriptions, and requests for radiology, nuclear medicine, pathology and specialist referrals.
Patients are able to search for healthcare providers on uConsult by name, speciality or geolocation. Virtual consultations can take place whether the patient or the practitioner is based in South Africa or not.
Platform: Any device with an up-to-date browser
Expect to pay: Prices vary depending on the duration and speciality. Doctors also need to pay a registration fee.
Stockists: Visit uConsult here for registration information.
Go to the next page to read about Telkom’s new digital wallet, operated through WhatsApp.
Telkom Pay through WhatsApp
Telkom has reached the landmark of 10,000 subscribers to its digital wallet, operated through WhatsApp, which allows one to transact without cash or face-to-face interaction, provided both parties are signed up.
It has now added a Telkom Pay Virtual Card, which works like a debit or credit card, eliminating the need to carry cash and increasing the customer’s safety. Telkom Payalso features a personalised voice and data mobile deal platform called Mo’Nice, which offers full access to all its prepaid voice and data plans instead of just the few bundles that were available at the start.
Telkom Pay allows customers to purchase gaming, streaming and transport vouchers from providers like Lords Mobile, Roblox, Deezer, Showmax, Netflix, Netflorist and Makro.
Platform: Any device capable of running the latest WhatsApp version
Expect to pay: A free service but with transaction fees.
Stockists: To use Telkom Pay, one needs to message “Hi” to the digital wallet WhatsApp number which is 0684 83 5566. The services can also be accessed by dialling *120*2234# or by visiting www.telkom.co.za.