Add Row

Add Element

East Africa Frontline News

NextFrontier Africa is a media platform spotlighting Africa’s emerging opportunities in technology, tourism, aviation, agriculture, health, logistics, real estate, trade, education, and e-commerce.

July 18.2025

2 Minutes Read

As Card Fraud Rises, What Are South Africa’s Online Grocery Payment Options?

Online grocery payments concept with smartphone and fresh produce in South Africa.

SEO Keyword: Online Grocery Payments in South Africa Amid Card Fraud

As card fraud becomes a pressing issue, South African consumers face real challenges when shopping online for groceries. The rise in online grocery shopping has been accompanied by an alarming increase in card-not-present fraud, leaving many wary of using traditional payment methods. This sentiment resonates with shoppers like Thembi Zulu, who after facing multiple unauthorized charges, now hesitates to use her card for online transactions.

The statistics are startling: 68% of card fraud losses in South Africa are attributed to online payments. Given this context, it is no wonder that grocery delivery services like Checkers Sixty60 and Pick n Pay have maintained their reliance on card payments, even amidst growing fraud concerns. Despite their success, recently achieving remarkable growth—Checkers Sixty60 boasting over 5.2 million app downloads and Pick n Pay growing by 42.5% as of July 2025—these companies are missing the mark by not offering wider payment options.

The Digital Payment Landscape: Room for Improvement

Shoppers crave flexibility, especially in a rapidly evolving digital payment landscape. Traditional card payments are starting to lose favor as customers lean towards alternatives like QR codes, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and even cryptocurrencies. Yet, grocery apps have been slow to adapt these flexible payment methods in their online platforms.

While retailers are rolling out various payment options in-store, online grocery shopping remains tethered to card payments. This lack of variety may ultimately jeopardize customer loyalty as users look for platforms that offer safer, more convenient payment solutions.

Exploring Alternatives for Grocery Shoppers

So what are the alternatives for consumers? Services like Mr D provide a stellar solution, allowing users to pay via both card and EFT, which safeguards against fraud while promoting convenience. Additionally, OneCart offers access to multiple stores including Woolworths and Makro, featuring broader payment options that include Ozow, providing an edge in the competitive grocery delivery market. Takealot is another worthy mention, supporting diverse payment methods for next-day grocery deliveries.

The critical takeaway for consumers is clear: while traditional payment methods reign supreme within the online grocery shopping domain, the shift towards alternative payment solutions is imperative for both security and convenience. In a world where technological advancements are evolving constantly, it is crucial for retailers to stay ahead of the game. Building trust through a diversified payment infrastructure will undoubtedly enhance customer experiences.

TechFrontiers

0 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

How Nigeria's Tech Landscape is Shifting: Insights on AI and Innovation

Update Understanding Nigeria's Digital Landscape: A Subtle ShiftAs Nigeria continues to carve its niche in the global tech ecosystem, shifts in digital strategies are influencing various sectors. The recent push towards data accountability indicates a maturing infrastructure within the tech landscape, paving the way for improved investor confidence and user trust.Key Trends in Nigeria's Tech EcosystemDigital Innovation and Investment: The nexus of innovation and investment is crucial for any tech-driven economy. Nigeria's startups, particularly in fintech and healthtech, are attracting significant attention. For instance, increased venture capital investments have catalyzed the growth of homegrown platforms, necessitating a strategic focus on regulatory compliance. AI Adoption: As companies harness the power of artificial intelligence for efficiency and personalization, the discourse around data privacy intensifies. Nigerian businesses face the challenge of integrating sophisticated AI tools while maintaining compliance with emerging global standards. This juxtaposition raises critical questions about ethical AI deployment in a developing context.Opportunities for Growth and Challenges AheadNigeria’s tech landscape can thrive by emphasizing resilience against regulatory hurdles. The government's proactive approach can foster an ecosystem where innovation flourishes while ensuring responsible data handling. The upcoming year will likely present a myriad of opportunities, but stakeholders must remain vigilant about the implications of rapid technological changes.The potential for transformational growth in Nigeria’s technological space remains high, but it will demand continuous adaptation and a nuanced understanding of the local context.ConclusionIn conclusion, as Nigeria navigates through this pivotal moment in its digital landscape, the focus on strategic growth in tech, particularly through AI and related fields, emphasizes the ongoing evolution in how businesses operate and engage with consumers. The importance of responsible tech deployment cannot be overstated as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond.

Unraveling Safaricom's Router Flaw: A Critical Look at Internet Access Issues

Update Understanding the Technical Flaw in Safaricom's Home Fibre NetworkSafaricom, Kenya’s telecom giant, recently resolved a significant technical flaw within its Home Fibre network that had allowed users to access the internet nearly for free. This loophole, which dates back to at least 2018, revolved around weak router authentication protocols that compromised the integrity of the service, leading to substantial revenue losses estimated in the tens of millions of Kenyan shillings over several years.The Exploitation of Weak Security ProtocolsThe core issue stemmed from letdowns in its system, specifically, the use of Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE). While users had unique usernames, the system accepted a singular, universal password. This hackable configuration enabled individuals to exploit expired accounts and re-establish connections without making legitimate payments. Reports suggest that the workaround was perpetuated not just by tech-savvy customers, but also through complicity from outsourced sales agents, painting a troubling picture of internal controls.Impact on Safaricom's Market PositionGiven that Safaricom controls approximately 36.5% of Kenya's fixed internet market and services over 678,000 customers, the extensive revenue loss due to this overlooked vulnerability raises questions about the reliance on legacy infrastructure. As Safaricom continues to expand its broadband services, the necessity for robust security measures has never been more pressing. The company’s renewed commitment to tech upgrades, including enforcing unique, complex passwords for every connection, illustrates a critical step towards safeguarding its operations and revenue streams.Lessons Learned and Future ImplicationsThis episode serves as a cautionary tale about cybersecurity in rapidly scaling tech enterprises. Safaricom's case underscores the importance of maintaining stringent internal controls and continuously updating security protocols. As digital transformation accelerates globally, other providers might find parallels in Safaricom's challenges and successes, reaffirming that vigilance in network security is paramount to protecting both the provider and its customers.

MoneyBadger Gets $400,000 Pre-Seed Funding to Transform Crypto Payments

Update MoneyBadger Steals the Spotlight in the Crypto Payments LandscapeIn a significant boost for cryptocurrency adoption in South Africa, MoneyBadger, co-founded by Carel van Wyk—who also played a crucial role in launching Luno—has successfully closed a $400,000 pre-seed investment round. This initial funding, led by P1 Ventures and supported by a suite of crypto-focused angel investors, reflects rising investor confidence in platforms facilitating Bitcoin payments.MoneyBadger aims to broaden its reach and enhance its technology, focusing on the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in everyday transactions. With its platform already integrated into over 1,600 retail locations, including retail giant Pick n Pay, the startup is processing approximately R1.4 million (around $83,000) each month in Bitcoin payments. This impressive transmutation of the conventional shopping experience to incorporate digital currencies underpins a broader trend: customers seeking inventive payment mechanisms that seamlessly integrate into their daily lives.Van Wyk's vision for MoneyBadger draws upon the functionalities of the Lightning Network, enabling a faster and cost-effective alternative to traditional credit card transactions. “Thanks to advances in Bitcoin payments technology, especially the Lightning Network, we delivered a working prototype that was faster and cheaper than tap-to-pay with credit cards,” he stated confidently. The Future of Crypto Payments in RetailRetailers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential Bitcoin holds for attracting a wider customer base. Deven Moodley, from Pick n Pay, emphasizes this shift: “Crypto payments fit into our Ways2Pay strategy of giving more customers mechanisms to pay in our stores.” This not only signals an acceptance of cryptocurrency but also reflects a strategic pivot towards flexible payment solutions in traditional retail.As competition in the crypto payment space intensifies, especially with rivals like Luno Pay boasting encouraging growth figures, the demand for Bitcoin utilities is likely to fuel further innovation. P1 Ventures' Managing Partner, Hisham Halbouny, expressed optimism about the practical use cases for crypto in less developed markets, “While the West debates regulation, Africa is where the future of crypto utility is being written.”MoneyBadger is now positioning itself to leverage these trends, planning to expand partnerships with major payment providers. As more consumers become comfortable with using cryptocurrency for everyday essentials—ranging from groceries to travel expenses—the next few years could be transformative for the South African retail landscape. Will Bitcoin become a ubiquitous payment choice in South Africa? Only time will tell.

As Card Fraud Rises, What Are South Africa’s Online Grocery Payment Options?

SEO Keyword: Online Grocery Payments in South Africa Amid Card Fraud

The Digital Payment Landscape: Room for Improvement

Exploring Alternatives for Grocery Shoppers

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title