During the latter half of 2021 - following the period of social unrest - SMMEs could purchase an electronic Point of Sale (POS) or Mobile POS device at a discounted retail price from any Massmart retail outlet nationwide, including Game, Makro, and Builders Warehouse stores. Over the campaign, Massmart saw a significant increase in the sale of its POS devices, with SMEs reporting an increase in sales.

“The Covid-related lockdown in 2021 and subsequent unrest experienced in July last year had a devastating effect on small businesses. Informal traders suffered enumerable losses during this time, which was exacerbated by the destruction of their POS infrastructure, thus depriving them of offering card payments as tender type at a time when card acceptance in informal communities became more pervasive as a secure and convenient alternative to cash. As such, Massmart was delighted to partner with Mastercard to enable small traders to purchase POS devices at discounted prices in an endeavour to empower them to not only recover, but to thrive”, said Varsha Dayaram, Senior Vice President for Massmart Financial Services.

The collaboration supports Mastercard’s continued commitment to supporting SMMEs as they recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the social unrest, where thousands of businesses resorted to accepting cash-only payments after losing their existing card payment terminals. According to a recent study - "The Impact of COVID-19 on Micro and Informal Businesses in South Africa" - the informal sector, which accounts for 8% of South Africa's Gross Domestic Development and employs at least 27% of the workforce, was the hardest hit.

The demand for faster, more convenient, safe, and now cleaner ways to pay has driven the transition from cash to digital and contactless payments, with 64% of South Africans saying that they have reduced or completely eliminated their use of cash since the pandemic began.

With this consumer demand also comes a greater expectation for businesses to provide multiple ways to shop and pay. In fact, more than half (57%) of South African consumers say they would avoid businesses that do not accept electronic payments of any kind. For those that have gone digital, small businesses have reported a 50% increase in turnover after accepting cards.

“We recognise the overwhelming pressure that small business owners are currently facing and are committed to help them recover and come out stronger on the side. Through our partnership with Massmart, we support financial inclusion - especially among informal merchants - and help these businesses deliver best-in-class consumer experiences using affordable digital payment solutions. Strategic partnerships like this are crucial to lowering technological and cost barriers in order to connect more small businesses to the digital economy, which aids inclusive, economic growth and shows our commitment to drive a sustainable society,” says Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Mastercard Middle East and Africa.

Strategic partnerships powering the economy, empowering people

Bridging the digital divide through innovation and strategic partnerships is essential to enabling financial inclusion. Mastercard - together with its partners - is dedicated to this mission as part of its commitment to include 1 billion people in financial services by 2025, with a direct focus on bringing 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy.

In South Africa, Mastercard has accelerated collaborations to advance affordable digital payments acceptance solutions such QR and Tap on Phone - a contactless acceptance solution that turns any NFC-enabled Android device into a physical point of sale.