15 Apr 2014

BotswanaPost has introduced a PosoCard that will replace the current coupon system used to pay social beneficiary money.

Registration for the new card is ongoing in all post offices and beneficiaries are expected to start using it beginning of June this year. Addressing a kgotla meeting to sensitise the communities about the new initiative, the chief executive officer, Mr Pele Moleta, said PosoCard was an electronic smart card that would enable elders to access their social benefit every month.

He said the new initiative was introduced to improve service delivery and would answer some complaints and challenges faced by beneficiaries at the post offices. He mentioned some of the challenges like the delay to get payments by senior citizens. 

Mr Moleta told the gathering that the card would now be used from the first day of the month at any post office. He also pointed out that it would be protected from any criminal practices as the holder’s fingerprints would be verified.

He said the social beneficiary had to register electronically on to the Department of Social Services benefit payment system in order to obtain the card.

“You can use your card to access social benefit anywhere in the country and at any time using multiple channels such as post offices,” he added. Mr Moleta also explained that in the near future, the PosoCard will serve as a gateway for cash pay points, selected stores to purchase groceries. 

He also revealed that the card holder may not withdraw his or her money at once adding that he or she can save for a rainy day.

“If the beneficiary failed to come for his or her allowance in a particular month, it means his or her arrears would automatically be paid in three months without applying as it was the case with the coupon system. 

But if he or she does not come for more than three months the allowance would be returned to the Department of Social Services hence you will have to apply for arrears and wait for a month,” he added.

The gathering was also informed that the card would be renewed after six months. Mr Moleta said negotiations with the Department of Social Services were ongoing to establish whether beneficiaries could be charged if they lost or damage their cards.

For their part, old age people welcomed the new development, noting that it was a step in the right direction. They said the new initiative would be a relief as they have been terrorised by their children wanting to claim their payments.

Kgosi Ronald Rabosigo of Shageng ward said the new initiative reduces congestion at post offices. He appealed to the chief executive officer to consider constructing some ablution and a shelter for beneficiaries.

The Director of Social Services, Ms Ruth Radibe, has informed the gathering that they are working hand in hand with Botswana Post to ensure a smooth implementation of the new initiative. 

She also informed them that the government agreed with BotswanaPost to provide some services such as the payment of old age pension, World War II veterans and the registered destitute. Ends