Africa-Press – Lesotho. In a bid to simplify shopping, Vodacom Lesotho (VCL) has introduced a new payment system called ‘PATALA KA M-PESA’ which is a digital service. The new digital payment system will allow businesses and organizations to accept
M-Pesa payments online. Speaking at the launch, VCL Managing Director Financial Services Palesa Mphunyetsane said; “Merchants may use this one-stop solution to collect payment, process refunds,
set up recurring payment plans and reconcile transactions, further promoting the shift away from carrying cash and towards going cashless,” she said. M-Pesa
users can purchase goods or pay for services online by requesting service through the business’s website or shopping cart, then select M-Pesa as their
preferred payment option, input their mobile number and receiving a PIN request on their mobile phones. VCL Financial Service will then authorize the transaction by providing their 4-digit M-Pesa PIN and payment will be executed,
debiting the customer’s M-Pesa account and crediting the merchant. Mphunyetsane stated that customers will have a smoother payment experience while shopping
online. “The platform is secure and runs on existing M-Pesa’s infrastructure, giving customers and businesses the peace of mind that they are transacting
with a reputable services provider,” she said. According to VCL Commercial Manager Financial Services Malatola Phothane, through PATALA KA M-PESA, VCL is looking to build a
link between mobile money market and direct retail or e-commerce platforms. “This new payment service which is linked to a mobile wallet, will allow merchants to
reconcile transactions more accurately and reliably by digital payments,” he noted. Phothane informed that prior to integration, interested businesses both large and small
will need to be existing merchants or register for an M-Pesa business account – Merchant Account. He added that once completed, the M-Pesa business team will then kick start the integration.
“The product uses a centralized Open API platform for merchants to integrate M-Pesa
as a payment service on their online stores or websites. The launch of PATALA KA M-Pesa complements other recent initiatives by VCL Financial Service like
M-Pesa’s Ntlatse (Overdraft), International Money Transfers (IMT) and the M-Pesa App all aimed at creating a cashless society and driving a digital economy,” Phothane enlightened.
Speaking on behalf of Examination Council of Lesotho (EcoL) Tlali Sethobeng expressed his gratitude about the new platform, he said during the Covid-19 crises when
schools were closed, they encountered a number of challenges that disabled external learners to register. “This new digital service will enable all learners to register at the comfort of their homes even in the remote areas, they do not have to travel and queue for registering,” he said.
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