SANCO (South African National Civic Organisation) announced the roll out of its new digital membership system which will enable easy and frequent interaction with members through mobile devices.

The system will ensure that SANCO is able to communicate with members via SMS, e-mail (individual and bulk); and also has the ability to schedule meetings and advise members of up and coming conferences.
The SANCO project team decided on the implementation of an interactive Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service for mobile users. The USSD service means member’s mobile phones can be further enhanced for mobile marketing capabilities or interactive data services.

“We have had a lot of success over the last 20 years and continue to see the potential for more growth in our organisation,” says SANCO General Secretary Skhumbuzo Mpanza. “Our new system allows us to build our membership base, and continue to promote the SANCO brand while further developing our identity as an organisation, as well as to educate communities to be responsible citizens.”
The primary focus for using the USSD technology has been to ensure a seamless and quick membership registration process. Various smart features in the system include the opportunity to invite a friend, and for a prospective member to use another person’s phone for registration.

“As an organisation, we are aware that the manual process of recording member details has been limited with respect to an ability to interact with members,” says Mpanza.
SANCO strives to be the centre of influence particularly when dealing with the various socio-economic issues that affect communities in the country. One of the most pressing problems facing the country today is the absence of sustained economic growth and job creation, which are essential to reduce poverty and improve living conditions.

SANCO President Richard Mdakane says “We have made progress towards addressing the challenges faced in delivering information and assistance to millions of South African communities.” Future developments that are envisaged in addition to the foundation membership system (using USSD) are the use of both internet and mobile compatible technology that will enable greater interaction for members with smart phone or computer access.