Francistown Choppies Cluster manager, Mr Baone Keeditse says the teaming up of Choppies stores with Botswana Post to assist in the payment of old age pensioners is a welcome development.

In an interview with BOPA, Mr Keeditse said the move had received a positive response as it reduced congestion at post offices.

Mr Keeditse said the elders were initially skeptical about the safety of their monies, but later realised that the payment method was safe, reliable and fast.

One pensioner, Mr Ogopotse Morulane said that the collaboration with the Botswana Post was a welcome venture as it would also help pensioners to purchase goods from the same shops without walking long distances.

He applauded Botswana Post and Choppies for the initiative as it reduced the congestion at post offices around the country.

Mr Morulane, who comes from Ratholo, said in the past, he used to queue for his pension from 6 am until late in the evening, but this month it took him only 30 minutes to get his dues.

Botswana Post Value Center general manager - north, Ms Georgina Dennison said the partnership which came into effect on June 1, aimed to reduce congestion at post offices as it increased pay points for the elderly and helped in observing COVID-19 protocols .

She said that other Choppies stores had Botswana Post officers assisting in the payment process. Their services, she said included Poso Money where pensioners' funds were deposited. The pensioners, she said would then receive a message alerting them on funds deposited.

Once beneficiaries receive messages on their phones, they can opt to go to any post office or any Choppies store to get their monies, she added.

"Botswana Post - Poso Money is not exclusive to Choppies only, we will continue to bring on board other agents and merchants that includes local general dealers, filling stations and supermarkets," she said.

Source : BOPA

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