Absa subsidiary AllPay Gauteng donated R1.7 million to various non-governmental organisations for development projects focused on employment and wealth creation as well as alleviating the plight of women, children, the disabled and HIV/AIDS sufferers in the province.
Absa says AllPay`s core business, the mobile payment of social grants using biometric identification, is inextricably linked to the plight of SA`s most needy and marginalised citizens.
"More than 30 non-governmental organisations caring for the destitute will benefit directly," says Department of Social Development MEC Bob Mabaso.
"Although SA enjoys a relatively advanced financial system and services, these remain largely inaccessible to many South Africans," says Israel Skosana, Absa group executive director.
"The ongoing debate around this reality calls for the provision of financial and related services to these communities and ways to assist government in complying with the Batho Pele Principles - putting people first. We actively support this initiative."
AllPay`s mobile payment system uses multimedia applications linked to a smart card-based biometrics identification system and cash dispenser.
The system can provide payments in remote areas where there are no electricity or telecommunication facilities. The technology can add, delete and manipulate data on the card using a microprocessor chip that does not require access to a remote database at the time of the transaction.
AllPay`s ongoing developments, such as the introduction of the Sekulula debit card, which allows pensioners, the disabled and single parents to draw social grants anytime from any Absa ATM, are aimed at making lives easier for beneficiaries.
"AllPay will continue to support and assist government and institutions in their drive to promote policy and institutional developments aimed at alleviating poverty and hardship, job creation and ensuring that services reach citizens living in SA`s remotest areas," Skosana says.
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