Johannesburg, South Africa – In many township communities, everyday business still relies on cash, from buying food at a local stall to paying a hairdresser, church contribution or school fundraiser. For unemployed residents looking for practical ways to earn an income, the shift towards digital payments could create opportunities to support the small businesses and organisations they already know.
As more customers ask for convenient ways to pay, many small businesses need simple guidance on how digital payments work. This creates space for people with local knowledge to explain options, answer basic questions and help business owners build confidence.
Thulani Ngwenya, Managing Director of AltarPOS, says digital payment skills can give unemployed residents a practical way to participate in the digital economy. “Technology alone will not solve unemployment, but knowing how digital payments work can help people offer useful support in their own communities,” says Ngwenya.
In practice, this could include helping a spaza shop understand QR code payments, guiding a church on collecting contributions digitally, or assisting a school or community group with basic payment setup. The opportunity lies in helping local organisations adopt digital payments in a way that is simple, trusted and practical.
Ngwenya highlights five practical ways unemployed township residents can create income opportunities:
1. Help businesses move beyond cash
Residents can support places where payments happen daily, such as spaza shops, food stalls, salons, churches, schools and community events. For example, they could help a local food seller understand how customers can pay digitally when they do not carry cash. By explaining available payment options, they can offer a practical local service.
2. Learn how digital payments work
Residents first need to understand the basics, including QR codes, payment confirmations and how digital payments are collected and recorded. This helps them answer questions and explain the process in simple language.
3. Use community trust to introduce technology
People are more likely to try something new when it is explained by someone they know and trust. Local residents can help business owners understand what customers will see, how payments are made and how payments are confirmed.
4. Help solve everyday business challenges
Small businesses need solutions that fit the way they work. Digital payment options may help make customer payments more convenient, reduce some cash-related risks and keep clearer basic sales or contribution records.
5. Provide ongoing support after setup
Setup is only the first step. Ongoing support, such as answering questions and helping business owners understand payment confirmations, can encourage long-term use.
Ngwenya says successful technology adoption depends on trust and understanding, not only on the tools themselves.
“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 says. “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.”
Digital payment skills are not a complete answer to unemployment, but they can offer one practical way for some residents to earn an income while helping township businesses adapt to South Africa’s changing economy.
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