As innovation takes precedence among local enterprises, BotswanaPost recently announced their roll-out of the PosoCard, which is an electronic smart card that will replace the current coupon system used to pay government social benefit allowances.
They recently embarked on a countrywide tour to educate beneficiaries via Kgotla meetings, and the registration and issuance of cards in preparation of their use in June 2014.
“PosoCard will allow beneficiaries to access their social benefit anywhere in the country and at any time using multiple payment channels, such as Post Offices, cash pay-points and selected merchant stores to follow in the second phase. Funds will be valid for three months as opposed to the current one month and if a beneficiary qualifies for all benefits, he/she will be given one card as opposed to previously where one was given a book for each benefit,” said Head of Communications for BotswanaPost, Lebogang Bok.
She said the card will make it easier for beneficiaries to save and will be more secure due to Biometric Fingerprint Verification. Beneficiaries will not be required to always bring their Omang as they will use their fingerprints for identification.
“The system upgrade (Poso Card) will simplify and modernise the facilitation process of the Department of Social Protection payments. Services that will be improved include payments of old age pensions, destitutes and World War veterans,” she added.