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1LIFE'S PREPAID N FUNERAL PROPOSITIO
South Africa has a massive market of individuals that can become entrepreneurs – especially if we consider the Kasi market where a number of South Africans already form part of the informal trade through spaza shops and airtime vendors, for example. The prepaid funeral model enables entrepreneurs to enhance their business and offer their current customers a new product while expanding their business and profit. “We are extremely excited at the opportunity that this provides us in boosting entrepreneurship within the sector, where the model we have developed enables any South African to manage their own prepaid funeral business with ease – whether it be a spaza shop owner or funeral parlour with a current client base, or even someone who has never run a business before,” says Wentzel.
1Life Insurance Roadshow
1Life, the direct life insurer, has launched a prepaid funeral cover and distribution model - the first of its kind in South Africa. This patented model is aimed at giving South African entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell funeral cover through an easy-to-use handheld device that includes monthly topup purchases. "The benefit of this innovation for the client is that it removes complicated application forms and empowers them to manage their policy at their convenience, in the same manner as topping up airtime," says Kobus Wentzel, executive head of sales and distribution at 1Life.
The 1Life prepaid funeral model is based on a "simple to use and manage" business principle. Those that want to take this career path, or supplement their current jobs with additional income, simply need to purchase a Business Starter Pack, sign a distribution agreement and undergo training on using the device. Then they will be able to distribute prepaid funeral product vouchers that entitle the customer to cover from R5 000 up to R15 000 a month. Customers get access to a funeral product from as little as R35/month and are activated in a way similar to topping up prepaid airtime. A client purchases a 1Life prepaid funeral voucher from a distributor; this voucher includes a PIN and the T&Cs. The customer activates the policy and loads premiums, like loading prepaid airtime. If a vendor has a device that dispenses airtime vouchers, the 1Life software may be loaded onto the existing device.
R WINS A BAKKIE U E N E R P E R T N E LE A FEM With the economic pressures we face, many individuals have pursued alternative ways to make money, such as operating small businesses. However, these small businesses face multiple challenges, such as finances, budgeting, marketing and possessing adequate resources to ensure that their businesses thrive. Christina Mogase, a female entrepreneur from the Brits area, experienced transport challenges in her catering business. This, however, is now a thing of the past as she recently drove off with a brand-new Nissan NP200, made possible by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA). Christina “Toki” Mogase is a single mother of three and a passionate and driven individual who consistently looks for new ways to better herself. As a regular customer at Metro Cash & Carry in Brits, she came across the “Win a Bakkie” competition, where customers had to purchase Coca-Cola products at their local wholesaler, follow the instructions on the scratch card and cross their fingers in hopes of being a winner. Speaking at the handover, an ecstatic Mogase expressed her gratitude for this new addition to her business as it would allow her to purchase stock and travel to events without the extra costs and admin of hiring a vehicle. 30
www.spotongmag.co.za
Mark Grindley-Ferris (On Premise and Stills Developer), Christina Mogase and Vusi Msiza (Regional Key Account Manager, CCBSA)
This quarterly competition conducted among wholesalers has been running successfully for the past three years. It not only allows customers to indulge in their favourite brand but drives sales and rewards them. There were more than 5 000 entries, a clear indication of its success of the drive and its popularity in the community. CCBSA values enterprise and community development very highly in the business and will continue to seek viable ways to ensure that as a corporate citizen the company does its best to assist where possible.
