
Speed and efficiency
Digital payments are fast – you don’t have to count cash, wait for change or stand in long queues. You can pay bills and make purchases in seconds from your cellphone
In communities across South Africa, people are discovering the power of digital payments. Whether you’re sending money to family, paying bills, shopping or receiving your SASSA social grant, digital payments give you more security and convenience.
The Digital ke Power campaign helps South Africans discover how digital payments can transform their financial lives – saving time and opening up new opportunities.
Carrying money makes you an easy target for robbers, which can lead to stress as a result of fear or financial loss.
Once cash is destroyed in a fire, you can’t get it back. Digital payments help protect your money.
If you want to show that you manage money well, you need proof, for example bank or payment statements. Digital payments automatically create that record for you.
By managing your money digitally from your phone, you can avoid expensive trips to the bank or waiting in long queues.
Simplify payments with reliable, real-time digital transactions.
Digital payments are fast – you don’t have to count cash, wait for change or stand in long queues. You can pay bills and make purchases in seconds from your cellphone
The less cash you hold, the less vulnerable you are. Having less cash on hand attracts fewer criminals
Using digital payments means you don’t have to carry the right amount of cash on you to pay for something. You can pay the exact amount without worrying about change, and easily track your spending
Receiving payments or wages digitally makes it easier to manage your budget. Digital records help you see where your money goes
Moving to digital payments is a smart choice because it makes life easier and safer. Imagine being able to pay bills or buy groceries without needing to carry cash. It’s convenient and reduces the risk of theft or loss.
For small businesses, digital payments are the way to go. Keep track of transactions clearly, make accounting easier and attract digitally savvy customers. Digital payments help you reduce the risk of theft, as you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash.
You can use your SASSA card to make digital payments. As a grant recipient, the funds in your account belong to you and you can use it for purchases without having to go to an ATM first, saving you time and transport costs.
Digital payments have the potential to drive growth in the taxi industry and local economies.
Digital transformation in action
For 26-year-old Palesa Khoza, based in Sekampaneng, Hammanskraal, what began as a simple act of kindness has turned into a successful beauty business.
Read moreWhen it comes to caring for the youngest members of the community, daycare veteran Sego Lamola does more than just offer a safe and nurturing space – she also provides a good example of how small businesses in Hammanskraal can embrace digital solutions.
Read moreFor Braai-master’s Shisanyama in Rens Town, Hammanskraal, serving great food is only part of the recipe. The real flavour of its success comes from adapting to the needs of a changing customer base, including how they want to pay.
Read moreWhen others doubted there would be an uptake in businesses built on digital models, 46-year-old entrepreneur Clifford Mashishimane saw opportunity rather than risk.
Read moreThembisa’s popular La Vida Car Wash is known for its spotless results and adopting technology that makes life easier for its customers.
Read moreThe aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air as customers stream into Kwa Mlungu bakery in Thembisa. Behind the counter, owner Mandla Khumalo serves customers with pride – and with a payment system that sets his business apart from most of his competitors.
Read moreIn the heart of Thembisa, where traditional cash transactions have long been the norm, 26-year-old Tsietsi Paul Nkosi is quietly leading a digital revolution through an unlikely avenue. As the youngest principal in the area and one of few men in early childhood education, Nkosi has transformed Tiny Tots Educational Centre into a model for digital payment adoption in a few short years.
Read moreEvery school day, Clayville Scholar Transport Association drivers safely carry thousands of children to and from Thembisa schools. Just two years ago, these drivers were prime targets for thieves at month-end when they collected cash payments. Today, they operate with greater security and financial stability – all because of a simple switch to digital payments.
Read moreAbout FinMark Trust and the pilot digitalisation project
FinMark Trust is a non-profit organisation that aims to improve communities’ access to financial services. We study the issues that make it hard for people to use banks and financial services, share our findings with the government and financial service providers, and help find solutions for people with limited means to access these services.
Community digitalisation refers to using technology to improve the lives and livelihoods of community members. The focus of this pilot project is on digital payments, and how this technology can help the Thembisa and Hammanskraal communities grow.
Our goal is to understand what people need, what they think about digital payments and what problems they face using it. This information will help those involved to determine the kind of services needed to help people and business owners buy and sell without needing cash.
FinMark Trust works with the World Bank and other partners to establish a functional digital economy in townships. Starting with Thembisa and Hammanskraal in Gauteng, we’re building inclusive financial systems that work for everyone.
View the video below on the impact FinMark Trust has made over the last few years.
We have passionate people behind this project.
Our team is committed to helping the communities improve livelihoods for local businesses and people using digital payments.
Nombuso was born and raised in Thembisa. Currently pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Johannesburg, she also serves as the community coordinator for the community digitalisation project in Thembisa.
Born and raised in Hammanskraal, Keitumetse is a community coordinator with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She excels in project planning and implementation, bringing creativity and innovation to the digitalisation project.
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