WASPA Concession Means Early Christmas for Charities

It’s going to be an early Christmas for charities wanting to benefit from the trend towards mobile giving. The Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA) has reduced the cost of becoming an Affiliate Member for registered non-profit organisations by 90%.

“Mobile phones have become the new wallet. Our handsets are increasingly used to pay for goods and services and this includes paying donations to causes we care about. WASPA is committed to creating a mobile world that’s easily accessible to cash-strapped charities,” said WASPA General Manager Ilonka Badenhorst.

WASPA is a self-regulating body that aims to create confidence in the local mobile content and applications industry by encouraging member adherence to its Code of Conduct. The Code explicitly aims to protect the South African mobile consumer and is vigorously enforced. It contains provisions relating to how mobile content and services may be advertised, for example.

By making it more affordable to become an Affiliate Member, WASPA would be bringing NPOs into the Code of Conduct’s area of influence.

“Every one of us wants to be sure that money we donate to worthy causes ends up being used for the purposes for which it was intended. Charities committing themselves to abiding by WASPA’s Code of Conduct when engaging in SMS-based donation campaigns will boost public confidence in mobile technology as an effective way to make a positive difference,” said Ilonka Badenhorst, WASPA General Manager.

From 01 December 2015, charities or non-profit organisations can apply for Affiliate Membership and qualify for a 90% discount in membership fees by providing proof of their non-profit status. The latter would include Non-Profit Company registration records or proof of registration in terms of the Nonprofit Organisation Act. The country’s mobile networks set WASPA membership as a requirement for WASPs to be able to transact with their customers.

The usual cost of Affiliate Membership is R1 300 (excl. VAT) per month. The Affiliate category was created for organisations who do not have a direct connection to any of the mobile network operators. Affiliate members are not entitled to vote in terms of WASPA’s Constitution.

“WASPA is pleased to be able to play a role in helping more non-profit organisations harness the benefits of new technologies to break down traditional barriers to giving while lowering the cost of donating,” concluded Ms Badenhorst.

Interested charitable organisations can contact WASPA’s accounts department (accounts@waspa.org.za) with proof of their non-profit status.