BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MANZINI – In a significant move toward empowering local communities, Instacash got an opportunity to present its products and other opportunities to pensioners during the Pensioners’ Day.
The Pensioners’ Day took place yesterday (Wednesday, November 20, 2024) at Manzini Club. Instacash is one of the organisations that participated in the Pensioner’s Day event. The event served as a platform for social engagement and information dissemination, with the highlight being a speech delivered by the Managing Director of Instacash Managing Director (MD) Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo.
In his address to the pensioners present, Nxumalo emphasised the diverse business opportunities that Instacash is presently facilitating, particularly through its agency program. “Instacash is availing business opportunities, and the reason you do not see an agent in your area is an opportunity that you can be an agent,” he stated, encouraging those in attendance to consider becoming agents for Instacash.
Instacash has emerged as a critical player in the mobile money sector in Eswatini, providing accessible financial services that cater to various demographics. The agency opportunity presents a unique proposition for aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to establish their own businesses in the financial services sector, allowing individuals to earn a commission by facilitating mobile money transactions in their communities.
Nxumalo elaborated on the potential benefits of becoming an Instacash agent, stating, “This is a wonderful opportunity to grow the organisation together.” His words resonated with the audience, comprising mostly of active retirees and pensioners who are often looking for ways to supplement their income and engage in meaningful work after their formal careers have ended.
While representing Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini assured the retirees that the Government was committed to solving their issues, including the issue of monies lost by pensioners through bogus investment schemes.
“We are working on this issue, we assure all pensioners who lost their monies that we will get to the bottom of this matter. We urge all those affected to come forward,”Dlamini said.
Dlamini further warned pensioners and the nation to be careful when joining any new investment scheme, as they have noted that a lot of people were losing money through these schemes.
Pensioners Association President Elliot Mkhatshwa thanked the government for not abandoning them while also adding that they were excited that the Pensioners Day finally happened. He encouraged pensioners to support each other and be united.
Meanwhile, the Instacash team mentioned that the requirements to become an Instacash agent were straightforward yet impactful. Interested individuals must possess either a trading license or a letter from their chief granting permission to operate a mobile money business. In addition, applicants must have seed capital to initiate their operations and a valid identity card for verification purposes. This approach ensures that suitable candidates are selected to represent the Instacash brand, thereby maintaining the integrity and reliability of the services that the company offers.
The agency model introduced by Instacash not only provides potential agents with a pathway to financial independence but also supports the financial inclusion agenda of the country. By onboarding new agents, Instacash broadens access to financial services in remote and underserved areas, which is especially crucial in a country where many residents may lack formal banking facilities.
During the event, several pensioners expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of becoming agents. The notion of self-employment was particularly appealing, as it aligns with their desire to remain active and engaged in their communities while also having a source of income. By becoming agents, these individuals can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between financial services and the local population.
The Pensioner’s Day event not only highlighted Instacash’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship within local communities but also reinforced the importance of collaboration between organizations and the individuals they serve. Instacash is actively inviting individuals from all corners of the country to explore this opportunity, appealing particularly to those who may have previously considered the barriers to entrepreneurial ventures too high.
As the day drew to a close, the message from Nxumalo was clear—opportunities abound for those willing to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and Instacash is prepared to support them every step of the way. By harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of the pensioners and providing them with the tools and resources necessary for success, Instacash promises not only to enhance the livelihoods of individuals but to contribute to the economic growth of Eswatini as a whole.
In essence, Instacash’s participation in the Pensioner’s Day event signifies a pivotal step towards increasing financial literacy, promoting enterprise creation, and enhancing the overall economic landscape of the nation. As the agency initiative unfolds, it is anticipated that more individuals will seize this opportunity, thereby creating a network of empowered agents dedicated to providing invaluable services to their communities.
