01 May 2019

Mascom Wireless has launched a new MyZaka VISA card, as one of its innovative services to bring comfort and convenience to its customers. 

Introducing the MyZaka VISA card recently, Mascom mobile money manager, Ms Nozizwe Tumelo said Mascom found it necessary to introduce the VISA card to cater for the growing needs of its customers. 

Mascom MyZaka VISA card, Ms Tumelo said would give anyone, with a registered Mascom simcard, convenient, quick and easy access to the funds in their MyZaka mobile money service accounts locally and internationally.

“All Mascom subscribers can use their MyZaka VISA card for withdrawals at any VISA supporting ATM, online purchases and swiping to pay both locally and internationally,” she said. Locally, Ms Tumelo said customers could purchase from over 4000 VISA point-of-sales, ‘and even more internationally.’ 

She said the VISA card was offered in two forms, which is the physical card purchased at P35 and valid for three years and the virtual card, which is an online version of the chip-enabled card for online purchases only, valid for 24 hours.

“Users can simply manage their cards from their phones if they want to activate, deactivate or reactivate them, as well as to check balance, card status and set security codes for online purchases,” added Ms Tumelo. 

To apply for the VISA card, she said customers must provide the  Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, which are a valid identity document, proof of income, proof of residence and a completed MyZaka VISA application form provided at all Mascom shops countrywide. 

This, she said was meant to mitigate against money laundering and fraud as KYC had become a very critical part of the financial market in the country and globally, as well.’ 

The Mascom mobile money manager also emphasised that, at the moment, MyZaka VISA card applications were performed at Mascom shops only, as phase one of its roll-out.

“Customers without formal employment, and students, can collect an affidavit from any Mascom shop and have it certified by an official authority and provide it with their identity document to get the Myzaka VISA card,” she explained, adding “MyZaka Mascom Money is about financial inclusion for all, which means anyone above the age of 18 can apply for the MyZaka VISA card, so it is not restricted only to customers who are formally employed”. 

Mascom MyZaka is a mobile money service launched in 2011 to offer Mascom customers a convenient and secure way to send, receive, buy and pay using their mobile phones anywhere in Botswana. ENDS