Everyone who lives in the UK knows how useful the six numbers 118 118 can be. You can phone in to get a number for any establishment, whether it be a nightclub, pub, shop or business. You can also ask 118 118 any question you desire, and within a few minutes you receive a wholesome reply. South Africa is the next in line for such a service, specifically called “Ask a guru”, which allows you to have any question answered for R10.

R10 sounds a little expensive, but all proceeds go to local SA charities. And, if you’re a betting man, you could resolve a bet wherever you are in minutes. Even if you’re in the boardroom or on the golf course, according to founder and programme manager Jonathon Ratcliffe, you can ask pretty much anything, from instant share prices to who has the most Springbok caps. Internet ‘gurus’ research your question and respond as soon as possible.

Companies such as 118 118 have proved how popular their service is a hundred times over, even by diversifying and offering jokes, poems and quotes by SMS. Only time will tell if South Africa is ready to support such an innovative idea. The expensive price of R10 per question might present a stumbling block, but if ‘Ask a Guru’ plays its cards right and gives an accurate, speedy service to its customers, the African version of 118 118 might take off and fly.