MTN’s mobile money solution, MoMo, has launched some new functionalities aimed at assisting South Africans during challenging economic times. These include the new food vouchers functionality, and the option for users to make charitable donations to a range of reputable, vetted charity and faith-based organisations that are offering relief to those who need it the most.

According to MTN, the food voucher service is designed to assist registered MoMo users, by removing the worry of giving cash to someone to purchase essential items - it could be a family member, neighbour, someone at work or a stranger in need.

This new functionality enables MoMo users to send food vouchers to anyone with a valid cellphone number. On the other hand, recipients of the food vouchers do not need to be MoMo users at all.  They simply need to show the voucher code, which they would have received via SMS to the cashier at the participating retailers such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Makro and Col Cacchio.

People wishing to use the service on the MoMo platform, but using other networks, can also do so by downloading MoMo in the App Stores, or they can register via USSD by dialling *120*151#

“We are very excited about this new addition to our MoMo offering. While continued innovation is at the centre of the MoMo platform, there’s more to it for MTN.  It’s about harnessing the power of technology to do good in the communities we serve.  While the food voucher add-on can be used to benefit anyone, we’re pleased that it offers our customers a safe, affordable and convenient way to do good and help others to access essential items during times of need,” says chief officer of MTN SA’s Mobile Financial Services, Felix Kamenga.

MTN believes MoMo Donation is another great new add-on to MoMo which allows users to make a financial contribution to a charity or faith-based organisation during these tough times. MTN MoMo has a list of credible organisations that have gone through a vetting process before being onboarded by MTN.  For MoMo users wanting to make a donation, the process is very simple – just select an organisation on the list accredited by MTN, then the amount and reference, and click donate.

“We pride ourselves on designing solutions that meet our customers’ needs.  It’s great that, in many instances, these have an organic knock-on effect in addressing a range of socio-economic challenges in our country. We are humbled to be able to play our part and encourage all South Africans to do the same. The true spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ needs to be felt in the communities we serve.” concludes Kamenga.