Massive uptake of Poso Card
Chakalisa Dube | Thursday October 16, 2014 15:00
The beneficiaries who use the biometric smart card are said to be pensioners, the destitute and war veterans.
The cards can also be used for food purchasing, paying of water and electricity bills by beneficiaries.
Molefhi revealed this at the World Post day in Sebina recently, where he was guest speaker. On the same day, Botswana Post also launched the Poso Card.
Eighty-six percent of 108,000 beneficiaries are now using the electronic system as the BotswanaPost tried to revolutionise its operations and improve service delivery to fight competitors, according to the minister. “I believe 100% of beneficiaries would have registered by end of the year,” Molefhi said.
He added that the card was not met with resistance like other new technologies meant to improve service delivery in most businesses.
The Poso Card captures its owner’s voice and all the 10 fingerprints together with the date of birth and Omang number.
The Poso Card replaced among others the coupon system that the beneficiaries of the government social benefit allowances were using to receive their allowances around the country.
Meanwhile, the minister also said the merger between Botswana Post and Botswana Savings Bank was taking shape. He noted that the merger had been delayed by paperwork, which was still being administered. He however expressed hope that the merger would be concluded soon.