All important MTN USSD codes in South Africa 2023
Mobile network USSD codes, dialed directly from your mobile device, grant instant access to various services and information, simplifying the way users interact with their accounts. MTN is one of the most used mobile networks in South Africa. As such, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of essential MTN South Africa USSD codes, empowering you to manage your account, purchase services, and stay connected effortlessly. Here are some essential USSD for MTN South Africa: 1. MTN balance check USSD code Dial *136# to check your account balance. 2. Recharge airtime Dial *136*PIN# to recharge your airtime with a PIN. 3. Buy data bundles Dial *136*2# to purchase data bundles. 4. Check data balance Dial *136# to check your data balance. 5. Airtime transfer Dial *136*6328*(recipient number you’re sending airtime to)*(value of airtime)# to transfer airtime. 6. Check your phone number Dial *123*888# to retrieve your MTN phone number. 7. Check Voicemail Dial 132 to check your voicemail. 8. CallBack Dial *121*Recipient’s Number# to send a CallBack request. 9. Activate data roaming Dial *135# to activate data roaming services. 10. Customer Care Dial 135 for MTN customer care. 11. Buy Airtime/Data with recharge voucher Dial *136*10# and follow the prompts to load a recharge voucher. 12. Check MTN USSD codes To check for major USSD codes, simply dial *130*0#. 13 Detailed balance MTN USSD codes For comprehensive balance (data and airtime) dial *136*1# 14. MTN call diversion USSD codes Dial **61*the number to divert to#. 15. Call diversion cancellation Dial ##61#, and you’re good. 16. Cancel your data purchase Simply dial *136*5# to cancel your data subscription. 17. Find your IMEI number You can check your IMEI with the USSD code *#06#, regardless of what network you use. 18. International calling rates Dial the code *135*2# to check the rates. 19. International voicemail retrieval To retrieve an international voicemail, just dial *135# from youR line. 20. Manage subscriptions Manage your MTN subscriptions with the *136*5# . 21. Check prepaid roaming balance To check your prepaid roaming balance on MTN, dial the USSD code – *141#. 22. View prepaid roaming rates Dial *111*1#. 23. Pay4Me Access the MTN Pay4Me service with the USSD code *127*number#. 24. Device setup Dial *123# for your device setup prompts. 25. Compare and change price plans Dial *136*4#. 26. Recharge MTN via Absa Dial *120*2272#. 27. Recharge MTN via Capitec Dial *120*3279#. 28. USSD codes to recharge MTN via FNB Fial *120*321#. 29. USSD codes to recharge MTN via Nedbank Dial *120*001#. 30. USSD codes to recharge MTN via Standard Bank Dial *120*2345#. 31. MTN USSD to cancel an SMS Dial *136*5#. 32. MTN SMS roaming USSD Dial *135*14#. Final thoughts on MTN USSD codes Please note that USSD and services may change over time, such change happened recently in Nigeria. so it’s a good idea to double-check with MTN or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Read More
Latest on how to apply for UIF in South Africa 2023
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) in South Africa provides financial support to individuals who find themselves unemployed due to various reasons. Whether you’ve recently lost your job or you’re a new parent, understanding how to apply for UIF can be invaluable during these challenging times. Here we highlight the process of applying for UIF in South Africa. 1. Check eligibility requirements Before you apply for UIF, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Typically, South African citizens and permanent residents who have been contributing to the UIF are eligible. Additionally, individuals who are on maternity leave or parental leave may also qualify. If you’re eligible, proceed to the website to register online by following the prompts. If you will be going to a physical office, then you can continue reading. 2. Necessary documents To begin your application, you will need several documents, including your South African ID, a completed UI-2.8 form, and a pink copy of your unemployment book. Ensure that you have these documents ready as they are essential for processing your application. 3. Register as a jobseeker Visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) office or the nearest labour centre. Inform the officials that you would like to apply for UIF benefits. You’ll need to register as a jobseeker by filling out the necessary forms. Make sure you have your identification documents with you. 4. Complete the UI-2.8 Form The UI-2.8 form is the primary application form for UIF benefits. This form captures information about your employment history and reason for applying. Fill it out accurately, ensuring all the required details are provided. 5. Submit your application Once you’ve completed the UI-2.8 form and registered as a jobseeker, submit your application to the nearest DEL office or labour centre. Remember to keep a copy of the application for your records. 6. Await processing after you apply for UIF After you’ve submitted your application, the Department of Employment and Labour will review your information. The processing time can vary, but you can check the status of your application on their website. 7. Receive UIF benefits after you apply If your application is approved, you will begin receiving UIF benefits. These benefits are typically paid out on a monthly basis and are designed to provide financial support while you are unemployed. 8. Update your information It’s crucial to keep your information up to date with the UIF. If your circumstances change, such as you having found new employment or returning to work, make sure to notify the relevant authorities promptly. Final thoughts on how to apply for UIF The UIF in South Africa is a valuable safety net for those facing unemployment. To apply successfully, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the necessary documents, and follow the application process diligently.
Read More
How to check Telkom data balance 2023
Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or using social media, keeping track of your data usage is crucial to avoid unexpected charges or abrupt exhaustion. Here, we will guide you through the steps to check your Telkom data balance. We also have an article for you here if you’re trying to check your Telkom airtime balance. 1. Using USSD code One of the quickest ways to check your Telkom data balance is by dialing *188# on your mobile phone. After dialing, press the call button, and you will receive a message displaying your remaining data balance. This method is handy when you’re on the go and need instant information about your data usage. 2. Via Telkom’s self-service portal Another convenient way to check your Telkom data balance is by visiting their self-service portal on the Telkom website. Follow these steps: Visit Telkom’s official website. Log in to your Telkom account or create one if you haven’t already. Navigate to the “My Account” or “My Telkom” section. Here, you can view your data balance along with other account details. 3. Using the Telkom Mobile App Telkom offers a user-friendly mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices. Download and install the app from your device’s app store, then follow these steps: Open the Telkom app and log in. Navigate to the “My Account” or “Usage” section. You will find your data balance displayed there. 4. Inquire Telkom data balance via WhatsApp You can also know your Telkom data balance by sending an an inquiry message to Telkom’s official WhatsApp number, 0811601700. Shortly after, you will receive a series of prompt that you can follow to check your remaining data balance. Final thoughts on how to check Telkom data balance Keeping tabs on your Telkom data balance is essential to manage your internet usage effectively and avoid unexpected costs. So, no matter where you are or what device you have, you can ensure that you’re always in control of your data usage.
Read More
How to check Telkom account balance 2023
Checking airtime balance on Telkom is essential for customers to keep track of their usage and manage their telecommunications services effectively. Here are some convenient methods to check your account balance on Telkom. Meanwhile, you may also want to learn how to check your data balance on Telkom: simply read this article here. 1. Dialing USSD code to check balance on Telkom Telkom customers can easily check their account balance by dialing *188# from their mobile device. After dialing the code, you will receive a notification with your current account balance. 2. Using the Telkom Mobile App to check airtime Download and install the Telkom Mobile App from your device’s app store. Then log in with your Telkom account credentials. The app provides an option to view your account balance along with other account details, such as data usage and billing information. 3. Sending a balance inquiry WhatsApp message to check balance on Telkom Tellom’s customer care WhatsApp number is also available for you to make inquiries. Simply message their WhatsApp contact on 0811601700. Follow the prompts, and you’ll get your answer. 4. Calling Telkom customer service to check balance on Telkom Dial Telkom’s customer service number at 081180 from your Telkom mobile or landline. Follow the automated prompts to inquire about your account balance. 5. Online Account Management to check balance on Telkom Visit the official Telkom website and log in to your account. Once logged in, you can access your account balance, view billing statements, and monitor usage. Final thoughts Remember that standard charges like data may apply for some of these methods. Also, make sure you have your account details readily available when using those requiring you to login methods. These details would typically be your number and a means of identification. That’s about how to check your balance on Telkom.
Read More
👨🏿🚀TechCabal Daily – To the Moon and beyond
In partnership with Share this newsletter: Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية Happy Moonshot Week It’s a wrap! We promised you two days of celebrating innovation on the continent, and it looks like we delivered—or at least that’s what all your reviews say ! If you have any thoughts on Moonshot, please drop them here. From the entire Big Cabal Media Team, thank you! A big shoutout to our headline sponsor Sabi, and all other sponsors, for their immense support. The dates for Moonshot 2024 are set for October 2 – 3, 2024. Please follow @moonshotbytc to keep up with all the updates. P.S. Shoutout to TC Daily readers Keji and Timi Joel who came up to say hi, and everyone else we didn’t get to meet. In today’s edition Sabi reaches $1 billion in GMV Possible EVS wants to produce up to 10,000 EVs annually Zimbabwe legislator wants X’s troubles to impact Starlink application Safaricom launches standing orders on M-PESA super app The World Wide Web3 Job Opportunities E-commerce Sabi reaches $1 billion in GMV Image source: TechCabal Sabi crosses the $1 billion threshold. Nigerian B2B e-commerce startup, Sabi, has crossed $1 billion in annualised merchandise value, according the startup’s CEO, Anu Adedoyin Adasolum. Adedoyin Adasolum shared this in a fireside conversation at TechCabal’s flagship Moonshot Conference yesterday, October 12, 2023. Sabi provides merchants and resellers with business tools and services that help them reach new customers, improve cash flow, and streamline logistics. Launched in 2020, Sabi started as a spinoff from Rensource, an African energy company that offers power-as-a-service to customers. A $300 million valuation: According to Adedoyin Adasolum, the ecommerce startup has over 200,000 merchants on its platform. The company also reached a $300 million valuation after raising $38 million in Series A funding in May 2023. Zoom out: Africa’s informal trade sector provides opportunities for startups like Sabi and Wasoko to tap into the $1 trillion informal retail market and connect informal retailers to manufacturers and large wholesalers via digital platforms. Get a working card from Moniepoint With the Moniepoint personal banking app, you get reliable payments every time and a card that always works. Enjoy seamless payments powered by the infrastructure that 1.5 million businesses trust. Download the app. Mobility Possible EVS, a Nigerian startup, wants to produce up to 10,000 EVs annually Image source: Possible EVS Possible EVS, a Nigerian electric mobility startup is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The company is gearing up to launch EV assembly plants, which will be situated in the Idu industrial area of Abuja, Nigeria. Per the CEO, Mosope Olaosebikan, upon full operation, the manufacturing facility will produce up to 10,000 electric vehicles annually, including mini-buses, tricycles, pick-up trucks, and taxis. Funding strategy: To finance their ambitious plans, Possible EVS has raised $5 million internally for their initial funding and aims to secure more funds by Q1 2024. The company primarily generates revenue through EV sales and, according to Olaosebikan, they are actively seeking partnerships with financiers and hire-purchase providers. The average cost of an EV from Possible EVS ranges from ₦12 million ($15,629) to ₦200 million ($260,497). An EV-based taxi service: In addition to manufacturing EVs, Possible EVS has ventured into the electric taxi service. They are currently testing electric taxis in Abuja and plan to deploy them for public use soon. These electric taxis boast a range of 400 km on a single charge. Zoom out: To support EV adoption, Possible EVS set up a public charging station at their electric vehicle experience centre (EVEC) in Abuja. Olaosebikan also stated that the company is set to launch an EVEC centre in Lagos and expand its multiple charging points across the country before the end of the year. It will also expand its fleet of electric taxis to Lagos and Akwa Ibom states in Nigeria. Paystack is live in Kenya After 10 months in private beta, Paystack is announcing that all businesses in Kenya can now accept payments with our growth tools. Learn more → Internet EU Investigation might affect Starlink’s Zimbabwe registration image source: Starlink Starlink is on the brink of a new pushback. During a parliamentary session on October 11, a member of Zimbabwe’s parliament, Supa Mandiwanzira, asked that the European Union’s investigation of X be taken into account during the vetting process for Starlink’s licence application in Zimbabwe. The EU had accused X of being used “to disseminate illegal content and disinformation”, and opened an investigation on the social media platform afterwards. Mandiwanzi argued that Starlink, by virtue of being associated with Musk, should also be scrutinised on the basis that its founder is being investigated by the EU, even though X’s issues with the EU are in no way connected to Starlink. Zimbabwe’s minister of ICT, Tatenda Mavetera, dismissed Mandiwanzi’s statement saying that the case X has with the EU should not interfere with Starlink’s application. Starlink is yet to be issued an operating licence in the southern African country. The satellite-based internet provider was meant to get a licence from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe or team up with a registered public network. However, it is yet to do either. Zoom out: Starlink has faced several instances of pushback against its adoption in several countries on the continent. It remains to be seen whether the EU investigation’s will impact Starlink’s licensing process in Zimbabwe. Telecom Safaricom launches standing orders on M-PESA super app Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom PLC Safaricom officially introduced standing orders on its mobile money platform, M-PESA, following its hinting about the new service a month ago. What’s a standing order?The service allows customers to set up recurring payments for bills and money transfers to friends and family. Standing orders are available through a mini app, a service built on top of the M-PESA app. How standing orders work: To set up a standing order, customers must review and accept some terms and conditions. They can then opt into the service using their M-PESA
Read More
How to check UIF status & balance 2023
With the UIF’s online portal, you can quickly determine whether you’re eligible for benefits or not. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to check your UIF status and balance online. 1. Go to the UIF website The initial step to verify your UIF status online is to visit the official UIF uFiling portal. You can access this portal by going to the following URL: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/ 2. Access the “UIF Benefits” section Once you land on the UIF website, you’ll notice a menu at the top of the page. Look for the “UIF Benefits” tab and click on it. This tab is your gateway to the UIF online portal. 3. Register or Log In If this is your first time using the UIF online portal, you’ll need to create an account. Simply click on the “Register” button and follow the provided prompts to set up your new account. For those who have previously registered, you can skip this step by entering your login credentials and clicking the “Login” button. 4. Check your UIF status After successfully logging in, you’ll be directed to your personal UIF profile page. Here, you can proceed to check your UIF status by selecting the “Check UIF Status” tab. Enter your ID number in the designated field and then click “Submit.” 5. Review your UIF status Upon submitting your ID number, you’ll be redirected to a new page where your UIF status will be displayed. This status holds crucial information about your UIF contributions. Here’s what the status options mean: Active If your status is “Active,” it signifies that you are currently making contributions to the UIF. This means you are eligible to receive UIF benefits if you find yourself unemployed. Inactive If your status is “Inactive,” it means you are presently not contributing to the UIF, and therefore, you won’t be eligible for UIF benefits during this period. How to check my UIF balance online Log onto https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/. Click on check my balance. Follow the instructions as they appear on your screen. Enter the Captcha number displayed on the screen. Then proceed to enter your UIF Reference Number.
Read MoreTechnology has improved the transparency of numbers in Nollywood
Written by Stephen Agwaibor General manager of FilmOne Entertainment, Ladun Awobokun, believes technology has provided transparency of numbers in Nollywood. Still, Nollywood has much work to do to boost cinema attendance. The general manager of FilmOne Entertainment, Ladun Awobokun, has hailed the role of technology in bringing about what she calls a “transparency of numbers” in Nollywood. Speaking at a fireside chat at the Moonshot Conference hosted by TechCabal, Awobokun noted that “A lot of tech has been used in Nollywood to simplify the way we do things. One which we’re most proud about, which has made our industry grow, is the transparency of numbers,” she said. Awobokun highlighted Comscore, the global media measurement and analytics firm that provides data and analytics to evaluate media across platforms. The company had in 2019 announced that it was expanding into West and Southern Africa. It now partners with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) to provide weekly performances of movies at the box office. The use of analytics to track the data of cinephiles has had a profound impact on Nollywood, informing how movie producers decide on the kind of movies they put out. Awobokun also added that technology has helped filmmakers confirm and track payments. Despite these, Awobokun says technology can improve to create accessible options for filmmakers. “Cinema screens are expensive, sometimes between $30,000 and $70,000. It would be nice if someone came in with alternatives that are accessible for us,” she said. The evolution of NollywoodAwobokun disclosed that the industry had evolved over the last decade, particularly with respect to film quality and career development. The global appeal of Nollywood movies, such as The Black Book and Gangs of Lagos, speak to this, which she says informs why more international cinemas are coming to Nigeria to set up shop. These early successes are also creating a pipeline where local filmmakers go overseas to acquire skills to improve local content. “Nollywood is here to stay,“ Awobokun said. “It is now an industry where people can have full careers in areas like scriptwriting, unlike before.” Improving cinema attendance Despite the strides, Awobokun expressed some concern. She highlighted issues regarding cinema operations in Nigeria. “Let me give you a few numbers. Between January and September, in the cinema industry, over ₦4.8 billion [was spent], but there were only 1.6 million admissions. Lagos alone has 20 million people, yet there were only 1.6 million filmgoers in Nigeria for nine months.” Awobokun says the low numbers in cinema attendance affect how moviemakers invest. “Cinema owners looking at these numbers will find them sobering,” she said. Through a trial-and-error approach, filmmakers learn the ropes of what kind of movies do well and how to market them. Awobokun said she knows from experience not to put out sombre movies during holiday seasons as they tend to perform poorly. Ultimately, she noted, “Investment in filmmaking isn’t an emotional decision; it’s a business one.”
Read MoreHow fintech is changing the habits and behaviours of a new generation of consumers.
Less than eight years ago, the way people interacted with money was vastly different. But with the rapid growth of fintechs across the continent, money habits have changed and continue to. Josh Chibueze, co-founder and CMO at Piggyvest, in his keynote speech at Moonshot by TechCabal on October 12, shared some of the impact that fintechs have had and how they’re changing the habits of people who spend. “Before fintechs, it was hard to save and manage money. People used to open several bank accounts just to have different savings accounts. Fintech has changed our interaction with money, and a lot of impact has been made.” According to Chibueze, the advent of fintechs has hacked three key things: accessibility, control and flexibility with money. More people can now save in bits and access quick credit loans. Fintechs have revolutionised the banking industry in Nigeria and Africa, providing channels that reduce income inequality and poverty. Piggyvest, for instance, has paid back over $1.1 trillion since it launched in 2016. Fintechs have also done the work of helping to bank the unbanked and helped to improve social donations across the world. However, the industry is not without challenges. Fintechs have to deal with regulatory issues from governmental bodies and authorities, fraud and also have to efficiently manage customer expectations and maintain their trust. Chibueze believes that collaboration is the future of fintech and one way to overcome these challenges. “People often say that fintechs will overthrow traditional banks. I don’t think so. Collaboration is the way forward and will lead to exponential results. We all have a common problem, and we need to collaborate to solve these problems and create an inclusive financial future for everyone,” he said. Another thing we can look forward to in the future of fintech is hyperfocusing. Chibueze believes that soon, we’ll see fintechs honing in on specific problems that the banking and financial industries face.
Read MoreCustomer education can help bridge credit gap in Africa
Co-founder/CEO of Indicina, Yvonne Johnson, asserts that customer education can help build trust amongst lenders and bridge the credit gap on the continent. Access to credit is rife with challenges in many parts of Africa. While fintechs have built credit solutions to bridge the credit gap, challenges still remain: many lenders buck at loan repayments. Yvonne Johnson, Co-founder/CEO of Indicina believes that the right customer education can help bridge this gap and build trust among borrowers and creditors. She made this observation while speaking on building trust among lenders at Moonshot, a flagship conference by TechCabal, which has gathered players and builders in the African tech space to network, collaborate, share insights, and celebrate innovation on the continent. Johnson is of the opinion that many Africans do not properly understand credit solutions which is a result of the financial literacy gap in the continent. African countries score the worst in terms of financial literacy in the world. Data from the S&P’s Global Financial Literacy survey suggest that financial literacy levels on the continent are lesser when compared to European counterparts. South Africa and Nigeria both have financial literacy levels of 42% and 26% while European countries have a range of 65%–75%. While access to credit is rife with challenges, it remains an important arsenal for every economy. Being able to borrow money at affordable interest rates is how households can build wealth, take advantage of opportunities, and take a bet on a business idea. While SMEs take on loans to fund their businesses, Daniel Osineye, founder/CTO, Evolve Credit, suggested that credit solutions should be designed in a way that considers the business. “Don’t give out loans and expect the user to pay back in an unreasonable time frame. You have to be able to match the repayment circle of your business with the technology; you have to put them in the loop,” he said. Johnson echoed Osineye’s sentiment. According to her, lenders should try not to give out predatory loans. While concluding the panel session, Dayo Ademola, managing director, Branch Nigeria, asserts that credit remains the most important piece of the financial ecosystem.
Read MoreExclusive: Safaricom launches standing orders for M-PESA users
Customers will be able to set up standing orders on M-PESA for bills and send money to friends and family. The service is available through a mini app. Safaricom has launched standing orders on its mobile money platform, M-PESA. This service was hinted at a month ago and has just been announced during Safaricom’s engineering summit in Nairobi, Decode 2.0. Customers can opt into the service using a mini app. Mini apps are services built on top of super apps like the M-PESA app, eliminating the need for customers to download an additional app for the same functionality. In the context of M-PESA, standing orders are automated, recurring transactions that Safaricom M-PESA customers can set up to perform specific financial activities at regular intervals. These orders are convenient for handling repetitive financial tasks without the need for manual input each time. How it works Standing orders are now official through Safaricom’s M-subscriptions mini app (it is yet to go live), which was proposed by the telco’s engineering team. This service has been integrated into the M-PESA app, offering customers a way to manage their recurring transactions. To get started, customers must review and accept the terms and conditions, and they can then opt in using their M-PESA PIN. They can then choose which standing orders to set up, whether it’s for sending money to family and friends, paying regular bills, or purchasing goods and services. For instance, to create a standing order for money transfers, customers set up the recipient’s name, specify the amount, and define the frequency of the transfers. This can also be automated, and the platform will deduct the funds at the scheduled time. To note, automatic deductions only occur when customers explicitly configure this feature. Safaricom said that standing orders will be available to other payment partners through their Daraja API platform. “The M-PESA Daraja API Gateway Developers Portal has been revamped with hybrid cloud architecture with superior API Billing and Monetization capabilities, self-service ticketing for API issues, and revamped API documentation,” Safaricom said in a statement. Safaricom launched the M-PESA super app in 2020 with a mini apps feature similar to China’s WeChat. While the initial goal was to integrate 100 apps by the end of 2023, only 69 have been onboarded. The M-PESA app has 7.73 million downloads, but limited smartphone penetration is still a challenge in Kenya, as only 13.2 million out of 43 million customers have 4G-enabled smartphones.
Read More