By Nnamdi Ojiego
In a bid to improve on telephony in South Africa, eTranzact Global South Africa, has partnered with MTN Group to deploy Community Pay Phone, CPP, in South Africa.

The initiative which was authorized by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) was intended to achieve affordable telephony services in disadvantaged areas.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact, S/A, Reggie Nxumalo, the initiative was borne out of desire to reach a large and disadvantaged populace.

“This would also create job opportunities for potential entrepreneurs to start their own business. This is consistent with the South African government’s drive to create jobs and curb unemployment. We envisage that this project will create more than 50,000 jobs over the next year and alleviate poverty”, he assured.

Speaking further, Mr.Nxumalo said the MTN CPP rate was 90 cents per minute, whilst the equivalent pre_paid rate on average was R1.50 (one rand and fifty cents) on local calls. “The device can sell pin_less or virtual MTN airtime and provide reduced tariff of 90 cents per minute for Talk and Pay customers.

The telephone unit is mobile and can be positioned in high traffic areas, which can allow entrepreneurs to harness the voice clientele opportunity”, he stated adding that the company has been inundated with calls from both city and rural areas since the launch of the programme.