Latest Technology for Small Business Owners

LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SECURITY

G4S Africa expands Deposita range with launch of Mini-Pay device

G4S in Africa, part of the world’s leading security company, announced the launch of Mini-Pay, the latest addition to its market-leading Deposita range of cash-storage and processing devices. G4S Deposita Mini-Pay is the smallest system in the range, offering the unrivalled benefits of larger devices at an entry point attractive to smaller service-sector businesses that deal with more infrequent cash transactions. G4S Africa Regional President, Mel Brooks, commenting on the launch of Deposita Mini-Pay, said: “A huge number of small service-sector businesses, ranging from dentists or doctors to health spas or car mechanics, deal infrequently with cash transactions.

“Mini-Pay is a cost-effective solution for improving working capital and visibility over cash flows, which also enhances the security of the customer’s money. Mini-Pay represents the best of Deposita at a size to suit the small business owner.”

Mini-Pay is a smart safe system that holds up to 1 200 banknotes, registering each note securely within it, reconciling multiple deposits through proprietary G4S cash management software. The business owner can run the software via a USB on a laptop or PC and view cash reports or print receipts. The Deposita range significantly reduces retailers’ cash processing costs whilst enhancing security. It incorporates the option of same-day credit into the customer’s bank account without the cash leaving the premises, or automatic credit to the customer’s bank account, once the G4S team collects the cash.

www.g4s.co.za

iKhokha Mover

Tap and go payments with iKhokha!

iKhokha – the disruptive financial services platform that serves South African SMEs, has launched their latest innovation: the iKhokha Mover card machine.

The iKhokha Mover is the most advanced mobile card machine from this young and innovative mobile payments company, proving that it has staying power in the tough South African payments industry. The Mover boasts the much-anticipated tap-and-go payment type, enabling customers to simply tap their card on the front of the card machine to pay for their goods. This drastically reduces checkout time and customer convenience. The Mover also accepts the traditional transaction types (Chip and PIN and swipe), and boasts 25% faster processing time and 30-50% longer battery life than competitive flagship products. Pairing quickly and reliably via Bluetooth, the iKhokha Mover is utilized in conjunction with the free iKhokha app, which is packed with additional features to help small businesses grow. With sales analytics, airtime vending and the ability to take a cash advance after three months’ consecutive trade, this is a tool that you really cannot afford to be without.

The iKhokha Mover will be available online at www.ikhokha.com for an outright purchase of R2 399 or on a 24-weekly payment plan of R127 x 24 weeks. All pricing options will incur a per transaction cost of 2,75% (ex VAT) – one of the lowest rates available in the market for SMEs.

www.ikhokha.com

SIYEZA – DRIVING SUCCESS IN THE TOWNSHIP SOCIAL INVESTMENT

Siyeza, established by the Thebe Foundation in 2016, is an entrepreneur development franchise tailored specifically for the township demographic with a special focus on empowering, building and developing the township community from a grass-roots level. This unique, community-based retail distribution concept started its first distribution hub in the Ekurhuleni townships of Kathorus, (Katlehong, Thokoza and Vosloorus) supporting several entrepreneurial co-operatives that utilise Siyeza’s buying power to deliver affordable groceries and fresh produce to customers via Tuk-Tuk vehicles.

Customers range from households, spaza shops, township businesses, crèches, churches and other community groups that benefit from savings in transport and reduced downtime. Siyeza entrepreneurs are able to generate their own income from sales and are also trusted brand ambassadors for FMCG suppliers trying to gain a footprint into the township market. The branded Tuk-Tuk vehicles offer a constant brand and marketing presence and the brand ambassadors are capable of product promotions, activations, direct market research and feedback for these brands.

Each hub is able to reach around 300 000 customers and employs four people directly, while developing anywhere from 15 to 30 previously unemployed youths. These entrepreneurs are organised into primary co-operatives, with two Tuk-Tuk vehicles (plus backup if needed) dedicated to each co-operative. By selling on credit to certain customers, Siyeza unlocks access to much-needed working capital, allowing these businesses to scale up and grow faster.

Siyeza fleet

Each distribution hub boasts a training and development centre, which functions in two ways – to train the Siyeza entrepreneurs as well as to incubate and support local businesses within that specific community. This support includes guiding; mentoring; upskilling in financial management, business skills and technology; and passing on valuable life skills to township entrepreneurs. By “buying local” and creating localised value chains, Siyeza can circulate the township rand several times over and thus grow and keep the wealth in the community. While Siyeza aims to be self-funding, it also works with external funders and strategic partners to develop these township businesses to become sustainably profitable and ready for the next level of growth. Also, by working with South African corporates keen to access the township economy, Siyeza is able to keep township consumers better informed through trusted marketing, financial and other services. Siyeza’s business model thus also benefits from “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, by the community for the benefit of the community, and highlights the power of strengthening the township community economy through co-operative empowerment. Some of Siyeza’s current local distribution partners are Bokomosa, a women’s co-operative trained to produce the extremely popular Kombucha iced tea with significant health benefits known worldwide. M-JUS is a dynamic berry juice manufacturer also based in Kathorus, east of Johannesburg. An emerging Orange Farm entrepreneur has also used Siyeza’s attractive pricing to start her own mini-hub and FMCG supply business in the area, and an empowered local driver is contracted to supply Orange Farm from the Kathorus hub. Siyeza is an excellent example of a disruptive innovation that brings together community development. The proven success of the Siyeza business model in Ekurhuleni has opened the door to develop further township markets in Tembisa, Umlazi and Mdantsane.