South Africa, with its high mobile phone penetration rate and persistent social
inequalities, is the target of many “mobiles for development” (M4D) initiatives. By
comparing South Africans’ stories about mobile phones with the optimistic narrative
presented by mobile enthusiasts, this study offers a counterbalance to M4D’s claims that
mobile phones incontrovertibly enhance economic situations, improve health outcomes,
and guarantee safety. Drawing upon a diverse collection of 79 interviews with NGO
employees and beneficiaries in Cape Town, this study problematizes the mobile phone
success story espoused by M4D enthusiasts and advocates for a reimagining and
retelling of the mobiles for development story that fully considers the negative and
neutral aspects of technology for development projects.