The VodaPay super app continues to grow from strength to strength. In the four months since its launch, VodaPay has garnered around 1.7 million downloads, with businesses of all sizes across South Africa getting on board to reap the benefits of this innovative digital platform. As we mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, Vodacom is particularly proud to support and empower women business owners who have joined more than 70 Mini Program partners, from leading retailers to SMEs, on the VodaPay super app.
“We are so excited to see the calibre of female entrepreneurs who are jumping onto this digital highway. The digital capabilities of VodaPay provide the important tools needed to grow businesses irrespective of size. This International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate the valuable contribution these proudly South African women business owners are making to our economy and society,” says Mariam Cassim, Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Financial and Digital Services.
Cape Town-based designer Hannah Lavery, whose fans include Meghan Markle, is one of these female fashion entrepreneurs who joined the VodaPay family because she believes it is a growth opportunity for her brand.
Inspired by the diversity of women in South Africa, the Hannah Lavery range of women’s apparel speaks to the many roles that women play catering for that ‘midpoint between pyjamas and power suits’ with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship, beautiful fabric, and longevity of style.
“While we love offering a physical in-store experience, we believe there is also tremendous value in e-commerce channels, particularly in giving customers convenient access to our clothing line whether they prefer to visit a physical retail outlet or not. This is why we chose to sign up to VodaPay’s Mini Programs – we can now expand our market reach across South Africa and propel the brand forward in a digital space,” says Lavery.
Fashion designer Michelle Ludek, whose feminine, flattering, and fun clothing has become a mainstay brand in South Africa, has also taken the opportunity to grow her business with the support of VodaPay.
“As a small business owner, the day-to-day pressure of running your own enterprise in our current climate is more stressful than usual. The Vodacom team has been at hand to assist, with the building of our Mini Program on the VodaPay platform quickly, easily, and cost-effectively,” says Ludek.
During the pandemic, there have been many casualties in business, both local and global, at a very rapid and unexpected rate. Ludek made the difficult decision to close her store in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
“With a small amount of rental relief, it no longer made sense to have a brick-and-mortar retail outlet, and instead we chose to adapt and focus on our online business model, a tactic that is working well for us. We have had the time to refine our online shopping experience, learning more every day. Now we have taken the opportunity to be part of the VodaPay platform, which is exciting for local small businesses. With VodaPay, the online transactions and payments are managed by the Mini Program, leaving me more time to concentrate on creative aspects of the business,” adds Ludek.
“As we’ve seen from the events of the past two years, the adoption of digital technology is critical for small businesses if they are to respond to change quickly and remain relevant and sustainable in these uncertain times. VodaPay can help businesses diversify to online while accelerating their digital engagement in a cost-effective manner, driving financial inclusion. We want to empower small businesses, particularly those owned by women, through our innovative technology solutions, and in doing so, go further together in building an inclusive digital society,” says Cassim.
Shop for your favourite brands, from local fashion to home appliances, from the comfort of your mobile phone by downloading VodaPay here. Small businesses who want to reap the benefits of the VodaPay Super App ecosystem, can click here to register.
