Vusi Ndlovu

Vusi Ndlovu

From today you will have to use 10-digit phone numbers, including the area code.

New regulations make the use of an area code prefix essential, even if you make a local call.

Until yesterday, only a call to a number outside the caller's area needed the recipient's area code tacked on the front.

But now you must prefix all calls with an area code, even when calling a neighbour.

Sowetan yesterday conducted a snap survey and most of the people we spoke to said they had heard about the new system for the first time from us.

Moses Mathabatha from White City, Zodwa Sithole from Zola North, Thulani Madonsela from Dobsonville and Siphiwe Basima from Highgate informal settlement all said it was news to them.

Basime said: "It's the first time I've heard that it's going to be compulsory. B ut I don't think it is going to have negative effects because I have been doing it all the time."

Only Lebohang Monyetshwale, of Orlando East, said he had heard about the new system.

He thought it would help to curb telephonically organised crime.