New WhatsApp platform empowers South Africans to tackle electricity and digital divide challenges
Ben Lindeque, Co-Founder and Business Architect at Prepaid24.
Image: Supplied.
In a significant step towards tackling South Africa’s persistent electricity supply issues and digital divide, Prepaid24 has launched the country’s first full-service WhatsApp-based platform.
Announced this week, this innovative collaboration with WhatsApp solutions provider Chat Inc and payment gateway Ozow aims to streamline essential transactions, putting the power of service access directly in the hands of consumers.
As millions of South Africans continue to face challenges with both electricity access and digital services, the new Prepaid24 – Transact WhatsApp channel responds to a pressing need.
Users can now easily purchase prepaid electricity, pay municipal accounts, buy airtime, data, and various vouchers—all through a simple and familiar WhatsApp chat interface.
“This introduction of our WhatsApp channel directly responds to the ongoing challenges South Africans face with electricity access and digital inclusion,” said Ben Lindeque, Co-Founder and Business Architect at Prepaid24.
The innovative platform emerges at a time when South Africa struggles with a reliable electricity supply and is striving to enhance digital accessibility.
Despite the growing prevalence of online payments, a substantial portion of the population remains hindered by limited internet access, unfamiliarity with complex online platforms, and lacking traditional banking infrastructure.
By utilising WhatsApp, one of the most widely used communication tools in the country, Prepaid24 facilitates a more inclusive, user-friendly solution.
“Like many South Africans, I found navigating websites and making online payments intimidating, especially when things didn’t go as planned. That personal frustration inspired us to build something radically simpler, something that meets users where they are: on WhatsApp,” Lindeque said.
How the WhatsApp platform works
The operational mechanics of the new Prepaid24 platform underscore its user-centric design. Users can initiate transactions simply by sending a “Hi” message to 060 012 2010.
Following this, they can select their desired service and make payments via Ozow’s Instant EFT or the Prepaid24 SmartFund, with a PayShap integration set to be introduced shortly.
Purchase confirmations and tokens are delivered instantaneously through the chat as well.
This service comprehensively covers over 95% of South African municipalities and Eskom meters, making it relevant to a broad demographic across the nation.
Beyond offering electricity top-ups, the platform also includes vouchers for popular streaming services like Netflix, DStv, Showmax, alongside familiar shopping options such as Takealot and Pick n Pay.
Jonathan Williams, Founder and CEO at Chat Inc, expressed enthusiasm for this venture.
Image: Supplied.
This ground-breaking platform originates from a synergistic partnership among Prepaid24, Chat Inc, and Ozow. Chat Inc, recognisably known as “the WhatsApp people”, facilitates chat commerce experiences for numerous prestigious South African brands, providing solutions ranging from lead acquisition to enterprise-grade transactional chatbot platforms.
Jonathan Williams, Founder and CEO at Chat Inc, expressed enthusiasm for this venture.
“We are thrilled to power this first-of-a-kind utility purchase channel in WhatsApp and to collaborate with such an innovative partner like Prepaid24. We’re passionate about innovation and building technology that feels natural, and WhatsApp is where South Africans already live,” Williams said.
Ozow’s involvement ensures a secure and real-time payment processing framework for all transactions.
Their expertise has resulted in a seamless payment journey, allowing users to receive their tokens and vouchers within seconds.
This launch signifies a substantial trend towards leveraging widely adopted messaging platforms to deliver essential services, aiming to bridge digital divides and promote financial inclusion in South Africa.
“By simplifying the process of purchasing critical utilities like electricity and everyday vouchers, the platform could benefit a significant portion of the population, particularly those in underserved communities or those less comfortable with conventional online banking methods,” added Lindeque.
BUSINESS REPORT