As South Africa’s economy becomes increasingly cashless, digital payment skills are opening up new opportunities for township residents to earn an income while supporting local businesses.
Many small businesses, including spaza shops, salons, food vendors and churches, are looking for simple ways to accept digital payments. According to AltarPOS Managing Director Thulani Ngwenya, this creates an opportunity for unemployed residents to help business owners understand and adopt cashless payment solutions.
Ngwenya says learning the basics of digital payments, such as QR codes, payment confirmations and mobile transactions, can enable residents to offer valuable support within their own communities.
Among the opportunities are helping businesses transition from cash, explaining how digital payment systems work, assisting with payment setup and providing ongoing support to ensure business owners feel confident using the technology.
He adds that community trust plays a key role in encouraging the adoption of digital payments, as business owners are often more willing to embrace new technology when it is introduced by someone they know.
While digital skills alone will not solve South Africa’s unemployment challenges, Ngwenya believes they can provide a practical pathway for residents to generate income while helping township businesses modernise and meet growing consumer demand for convenient, cashless payment options.
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