Accusing government of inaction, South Africans say apps step in

A pothole is filled by the Pothole Patrol at the launch of the app that took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Oct 12, 2021. — Handout courtesy of Pothole Patrol/Thomson Reuters Foundation

JOHANNESBURG: At the start of each school day, South African teacher Lori Cooperman prepares her lessons, plans students’ meals and – most importantly – checks an app to see if there will be electricity.

She is among a growing number of South Africans who say they are using mobile apps to deal with government shortcomings, from finding blackout schedules to filling in potholes or seeking mental health support.