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Understanding deadline aversion: The case of SIM card registration in Namibia

Kibet Tembur
In Namibia, a recent call for citizens to register their SIM cards by a specific deadline has resulted in long queues at service centres after the set date.

This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including procrastination, lack of awareness and a tendency to underestimate the consequences of missing deadlines.

One of the primary reasons people tend to procrastinate until the last minute is human nature itself. Many individuals have a tendency to prioritise immediate gratification over long-term benefits, leading them to delay tasks until they become urgent. Moreover, some may simply forget or underestimate the importance of the deadline until it is imminent.

Additionally, there may be a lack of awareness or understanding among citizens regarding the implications of failing to register their SIM cards on time. They may not fully comprehend the legal requirements or the potential consequences of non-compliance.

In Namibia, the regulations concerning SIM card registration are governed by the Communications Act of 2009. Section 70 of this Act mandates that all telecommunications service providers must register their subscribers, including obtaining and verifying their personal information. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, including the deactivation of SIM cards.

To address the issue of deadline aversion and encourage timely compliance with SIM card registration, several strategies can be implemented.Public awareness campaigns:

Launching educational campaigns to inform citizens about the importance of SIM card registration and the legal consequences of non-compliance can help increase awareness and encourage timely action.

Simplifying the process: Streamlining the registration process by making it more convenient and accessible can reduce barriers to compliance. This could involve setting up additional registration centres, extending operating hours, or introducing online registration options.

Reminders and notifications: Sending out timely reminders and notifications to subscribers well in advance of the deadline can help keep the registration requirement at the forefront of their minds and prompt them to take action sooner rather than later.

Penalties for non-compliance: Enforcing penalties for those who fail to register their SIM cards on time can serve as a deterrent and incentivise timely compliance. However, these penalties should be fair and proportionate to avoid undue hardship on citizens.

By implementing these strategies and raising awareness about the importance of deadline compliance, Namibia can mitigate citizens’ tendency to procrastinate and ensure timely registration of SIM cards, thereby promoting regulatory compliance and enhancing telecommunications security.

**Kibet Tembur is an MBA marketing student and hospitality and tourism personality.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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