Voucher system eliminates misuse

Homeless people in Claremont and surrounding areas can now access essentials through a new cashless system.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

Mi-change, a national voucher initiative, is piloting digital vouchers at U-turn in Claremont and Mould Empower Serve (MES) in Durbanville.The vouchers cost R15 each and can be purchased instantly by community members via a SnapScan QR code linked to registered participants. They can be redeemed for meals, clothing, a warm shower or a safe place to sleep.

“Many people already use SnapScan as part of their payment routines, so there’s no new learning involved,” says Carmen Dickenson, Mi-change National Manager. “This makes it easy to give on the spot, responding to your initial empathy before the moment passes.”