[2018-03-09] South African Student Leverages Blockchain to Curb Charity Fraud

[CryptonianKing]

A South African MBA student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Rufaro Masiiwa, has created a solution that leverages the blockchain to curb fraud and corruption in the charitable giving sector.

http://bitcoinafrica.io/2018/03/08/south-african-student-leverages-blockchain-to-curb-fraud-in-charitable-giving-sector/]http://bitcoinafrica.io/2018/03/08/south-african-student-leverages-blockchain-to-curb-fraud-in-charitable-giving-sector/[/url]

[1715021262]

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[1715021262]

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[chocomartin]

This was the result of the "Unlock the Block" hackathon which was an event that was held in Africa. The event was centered on exploring blockchain solutions that would be beneficial for Africans. (Mbogo, 2018) 

It feels good to read stuff like this. The purpose of cryptocurrencies was to provide peer-to-peer transactions without any middlemen charging any transaction fees through blockchains but now it is showing potential of providing more than that. The hackathon was a great way to push an innovation into further development.

[Zicadis]

Great to see a student utilizing this technology for a good purpose, If only more of these blockchain projects can come to light am sure more support and investments can go into blockchain projects and we should have no problem with the adoption process and generally our regulators who I see to do more damage to crypto prices than a whale with a bag load of coins.

[buwaytress]

Good on Rufaro! I've had a long career in charity and have witnessed first hand how much aid money goes to waste, either by deliberate fraud or well-intentioned failures to conduct proper due diligence. It's awful to think how people care less when it's charity sometimes.

Come to think of it, some of the most obvious useful applications would have to be in fraud, yet I've only seen two projects before this focusing on just that. Andhra Pradesh state in India trying to use blockchain to combat land fraud - it isn't just the billions involved, but the high levels of corruption and bloodshed that's been going on for decades. The 70% said by the article to be lost to corruption sounds huge, but I'm inclined to believe the figure could be much more, especially with some of the centralised organisations under UN auspices.

His case use in sending value via tokens actually is exactly what's happening on the ground since the early 2000s - beneficiaries gain much more when cash or equivalent is given to them instead of in kind goods.