[South Africa] uKheshe launches uKeshe Life card

uKheshe, South Africa’s economic and convenient QR cash card has announced the launch of uKheshe Life, a hospital, disability and life benefits card. Offering all of the features that the normal uKheshe QR card does, but also including added hospital & life benefits for the card holder. 

Clayton Hayward, co-founder, uKheshe, says that in another step towards greater financial inclusion, this new card provides essential cover for South Africa’s unbanked and underbanked consumer: “This latest innovation from uKheshe provides health and accidental insurance cover for as little as R60 per month. These benefits are instantly activated when a user signs up for an uKheshe Life card and is deducted automatically from the user’s uKheshe wallet.”

With more than 11 million unbanked consumers, Hayward says that the uKheshe Life card is ideal for consumers or small business owners wanting to provide affordable benefits for employees: “Not only can you use it to pay someone, but the user will receive all the benefits, including accidental cover, should an incident occur on the job or at home,” says Hayward. 

To continue improving financial inclusion locally, uKheshe Life card holders do not need a bank account, nor do they need to undergo medical tests or complete any paperwork. Consumers get R5 000 funeral cover and a private hospital guarantee. In the event that an accident occurs, a R100 000 accidental and emergency fund is released, as well as R100 000 death and disability benefit. 

Launched in November 2018, the uKheshe card enables consumers to make and receive payments by using a QR code card and a smartphone on which the app is installed. No bank account is required and the uKheshe wallet grows as people pay into it. Withdrawals are made at any Pick ‘n Pay paypoint till or consumers can use the funds to buy goods.

To sign up for the uKheshe card, simply dial *120*82274# and follow the menu. This free number will not require airtime and if a card is required, a virtual one will be created and automatically linked to the consumer’s cellphone number. The uKheshe Life card can also be ordered via the uKheshe shop.

To withdraw money from Pick ‘n Pay, dial *120*82274# and use the withdraw menu option. Show the SMS received to the cashier and the cash will be handed over. 

uKheshe is available on all android and iOS devices.

www.ukheshe.co.za