Digital payment skills could open new income opportunities for township residents

Many township businesses still rely heavily on cash; however, as more consumers look for convenient ways to pay, digital payment skills could create new opportunities for unemployed residents while helping small businesses adapt.

AltarPOS managing director Thulani Ngwenya believes that understanding how digital payments work can equip people with practical skills to support businesses and organisations in their own communities.

“Technology alone will not solve unemployment, but knowing how digital payments work can help people offer useful support in their own communities,” said Ngwenya.

Rather than requiring specialist technical knowledge, the role could involve helping a spaza shop owner understand QR code payments, assisting a church with collecting digital contributions or guiding a school or community organisation through the basics of accepting electronic payments.

He said anyone interested in offering this type of support should first learn the basics of digital payments, including how QR codes work, how payments are confirmed and how transactions are recorded. This knowledge allows them to explain the process in simple, easy-to-understand language.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni reminds residents of spaza shop compliance

Trust also plays an important role in encouraging businesses to embrace new technology.

Business owners are often more willing to try unfamiliar payment methods when they are introduced by someone from their own community who understands their day-to-day challenges.

Digital payment systems can also help address practical business needs by making it easier for customers to pay, reducing some of the risks associated with handling cash and providing clearer records of sales or contributions.

Ngwenya stressed that support should not end once a payment system has been introduced.

Continued guidance, including answering questions and helping business owners understand payment confirmations, can build confidence and encourage long-term use.

“Digital payment adoption is not only about introducing a tool; it is also about helping people understand how it fits into their daily business routines,” he said.

“When support comes from someone trusted in the community, small businesses are more likely to ask questions, try new payment methods and continue using them with confidence.”

While digital payment skills are not a complete solution to unemployment, Ngwenya believes they can provide a practical way for residents to generate income while helping township businesses become more accessible and better equipped for South Africa’s increasingly digital economy.

ALSO READ: SARS filing season: Understanding payment options and Administrative Penalties