In response to my written question, it is outlined that through the Western Cape Government App, the provincial Department of Human Settlements has received more than 800 housing applications since it was first launched in March 2020. The App has been downloaded more than 10 500 times which has led to the Department receiving almost 300 new applications.
Over 500 housing beneficiaries have updated their details through the mobile app, bringing government closer to beneficiaries across the province.
This provincial mobile app, the first of its kind in South Africa, allows anyone who has downloaded it to register for housing opportunities, update their details on the Housing Demand Database and get easy access information to what housing assistance government offers. Rather than having to take time off work or spend money on transport to go to a government office to register, residents are able to download the app and apply whenever and wherever it suits them.
We have seen a great uptake in the use of this technology with the number of downloads of the app more than doubling in the last year from 3 900 to more than 10 500 downloads. Innovative technology like this creates a responsive government which cares for the needs of our residents and helps to protect and support their dignity and well-being. I would like to encourage residents to download the WCG App, on either Android or iOS platforms, and make use of the easy to use processes to register or update their details as soon as possible.