BUSINESS NEWS - As South Africa moves towards a more digital economy, unemployed township residents could find new opportunities by helping local businesses adopt digital payment solutions.

Many township businesses still rely heavily on cash for everyday transactions, from spaza shops and food stalls to hair salons, churches and school fundraisers. 

However, as more customers look for convenient ways to pay, business owners increasingly need support to understand and use digital payment systems.

According to Thulani Ngwenya, Managing Director of AltarPOS, digital payment knowledge can equip unemployed residents with practical skills that benefit both themselves and their communities.

"Technology alone will not solve unemployment, but understanding how digital payments work allows people to provide valuable support to businesses in their own communities," says Ngwenya.

Residents who develop these skills could assist businesses with tasks such as introducing QR code payments, helping churches collect digital contributions or guiding schools and community organisations through simple payment set ups. 

The role focuses on building confidence, answering basic questions and helping businesses make the transition from cash to digital payments.

Ngwenya outlines five practical ways township residents can create income opportunities:

• Assist local businesses such as spaza shops, food vendors, salons, churches and schools to introduce digital payment options.
• Learn the fundamentals of digital payments, including QR codes, payment confirmations and how transactions are processed.
• Use trusted community relationships to explain digital payment systems in simple, accessible language.
• Help businesses address everyday challenges by offering payment solutions that improve convenience and record keeping.
• Provide ongoing support after the initial setup by answering questions and helping business owners use the systems with confidence.

Ngwenya says the successful adoption of digital payment technology depends as much on trust and understanding as it does on the technology itself.

"Digital payment adoption is not only about introducing a tool. It is about helping people understand how it fits into their daily business routines. When support comes from someone trusted in the community, small businesses are more likely to embrace new payment methods and continue using them with confidence."

While digital payment skills are not a complete solution to unemployment, they can provide a practical way for township residents to generate an income while helping local businesses modernise and adapt to South Africa's changing economy.

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