Danie van der Merwe

Member since 5 December 2025

Tech blogger https://gadgeteer.co.za

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Danie van der Merwe2 weeks ago

Danie van der Merwe1 month ago

Danie van der Merwe7 months ago I want to primarily make this suggestion for disasters as firstly many City communities already use Telegram for the larger groups (currently 200,000 members) that are possible, with better management of such large groups including topic creation to better focus messaging versus one big chaotic group. But an important aspect for disasters, is being able to reach millions of citizens immediately. There is cellular emergency broadcasting, but I know this has not been implemented or enabled for Cape Town (that would cover everyone including tourists). This would have been our first prize. A Telegram broadcast channel run by the City can have unlimited numbers of users subscribed so we can have every single citizen subscribed, running into millions. It is one-way so not intended for replies or complaints. It is private, so users cannot see each other. Channels are perfect for sharing announcements, news, or promotions with a huge audience, or for providing news during disasters when many/most residents today no longer have radio receivers in their homes. We cannot just rely on radio anymore to actually reach residents, and radio does not push notifications either even if it is turned on. See https://telegram.org/faq_channels. On the topic of radios, we do have over 150 citizens across Cape Town who now are part of the license-free Meshtastic radio network, using the cheap Meshtastic devices on the license-free band on 868 MHz. This allows communications across suburbs (over the mountain into Worcester and up to Melkbos, and even on top of Table Mountain where there is little cellphone reception) with zero Internet or cellular availability. It is 2-way, meaning residents can call for help, and their location can be seen if assistance must be dispatched. Those which are reporting, can be seen at https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net/?lat=-33.9436231519295&lng=378.7296295166016&zoom=11. More info at https://gadgeteer.co.za/hamradio/meshtastic-in-south-africa.