A case study of the Adoption of Electronic Payment Methods by Spaza Shop owners in Mkhuhlu Township in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the usage of mobile technologies by spaza shop (tuck shop) owners in South Africa. It also evaluates opportunities created using mobile communication. Methodology: Interviews were conducted with 110 small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) operating spaza business shops in Mkhuhlu and Calcutt in the Bushbuckridge Municipality in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Police officers, South Africans, Somalians, and Indians were interviewed. Data was collected through self-completion questionnaires. Interviews were conducted in English as most participants needed help understanding African languages. Main Findings: Technological skills are needed for the township business owners. Safety and security must support SMMEs in townships by protecting their owners and resources against criminals. Spaza shop owners must invest in training to advance their business skills and advance in technology to do business. Implications: Aligned to the Native-owned spaza shops in the selected townships, informal traders, related businesses, other townships, academics, and policymakers may draw vital lessons from this study Novelty: First time this kind of study is being conducted at Bushbuckridge Municipality with spaza shop owners.