Date Posted

Standard Bank urges SA township SMEs to embrace digital payments ahead of festive season

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As the festive season approaches, township businesses are gearing up for increased consumer spending, but experts warn that cash-dominated operations leave traders vulnerable to crime.

Norman Nyawo, Head of Merchant Solutions at Standard Bank, says the shift towards digital payments is helping small businesses operate more securely and efficiently.

 

Nyawo highlighted the bank’s Simply Blue platform, an all-in-one solution that combines card payments, QR codes, inventory management, and a built-in e-commerce platform. “It allows small businesses to accept secure payments while managing their stores online,” he said.

 

Other solutions include SnapScan, a low-cost mobile QR payment option, and Instant Money, a wallet-based solution enabling cardless withdrawals. These tools are designed to help informal traders adopt digital payments without needing expensive point-of-sale devices.

 

Beyond payments, Nyawo stressed that the platforms support business growth. They allow small traders to track sales, manage stock, build credit profiles, and access funding to expand operations. “Especially with Black Friday looming, being able to position your business online opens access to a broader set of customers,” he said.

 

Standard Bank also offers enterprise development programs to educate traders on these tools. Products like BizFlex provide tailored lending solutions where repayment aligns with business revenue, reducing financial pressure on SMEs.

 

Nyawo encouraged small business owners to explore these solutions as a means to modernise operations, improve security, and unlock growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive market.

 

–ChannelAfrica–