Tech

Vodacom launches new access to personal loans for South Africans

Published

1 year ago

November 2, 2023

Vodacom South Africa has launched a new access to personal loans with the aim of providing a responsible credit solution for South Africans who need to secure extra funds in a tough economic climate.

The new offering known as VodaLend Personal Loans, which is in partnership with credit provider, Old Mutual Finance, gives customers and non-customers alike convenient access to a personal loan of up to R250 000, according to Mariam Cassim, the Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Financial and Digital Lifestyle Services.

“We understand that the high cost of living and other economic pressures are taking their toll on consumers,” Cassim said on Thursday.

“Through VodaLend Personal Loans, we are offering an accessible, trusted and reliable financial solution backed by a reputable partner, which can support customers in achieving their personal goals and financial well-being.”

The CEO explained that with the VodaLend Personal Loans, customers could apply for a loan online and will be notified of provisional approval within minutes of submitting all the required documentation.

“Approved customers will receive their funds directly into their bank account within 24 hours of concluding their loan agreements.

“The swift, convenient online application not only allows for real-time responses but also provides customers with the ability to view and manage their accounts at their convenience. The solution is available to both Vodacom and non-Vodacom customers.

“This integrated partnership with Old Mutual will ensure that consumers’ interaction with both brands is simple, convenient, and tailored to their specific financial needs.

“By providing more customers with access to financial services, we are fostering financial inclusivity on a broader scale, which has the potential to accelerate economic growth and transform lives,” Cassim added.

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Tech

Kenya’s ticketing startup BuuPass partners Flexpay for flexible travel payments

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with goal-based savings platform, Flexpay, to offer customers flexible payment plans ahead of holiday travels as well as simplify travel planning and ease the financial burden of holiday travel for Kenyans.

Co-founder and CEO at Buupass, Sonia Kabra, who unveiled the package at a press conference, said the collaboration between the two platforms will allow travellers to save for their journeys in manageable, interest-free installments over four to 12 weeks.

“Travelers can select their travel dates, book tickets, and pay a small deposit upfront, with the remaining balance spread across weekly or monthly payments,” she said.

“This approach offers a stress-free way for families and large groups to secure their tickets early, helping them avoid last-minute price hikes as fares are locked in.

“By partnering with Flexpay, we’re giving travelers the flexibility to budget for their trips in advance. This initiative aligns with our mission to make travel accessible to everyone, providing a solution that meets customers where they are financially,” said Kabra.

Also speaking at the event, Richard Machomba, CEO and founder of Flexpay, said:

“Flexpay’s mission is to empower individuals by providing accessible financial solutions that make it easier for them to achieve their financial goals.

“By partnering with BuuPass, we’re making travel more accessible and stress-free for Kenyans, especially during the holiday season when expenses can be overwhelming,” Machomba added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

FlexPay, on the other hand, is an online and offline payment gateway that allows merchants to offer interest-free targeted savings to their customers in Africa.

Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation