On Friday, 5 September 2024, the first Smart Tuckshop pilot site was introduced in Tlapeng village near Ganyesa in the Kagiso-Molopo Local Municipality.

NWDC, in partnership with the Mahikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDIHub) and SASSA, is the executing agent for rolling out DEDECT’s Smart Tuckshop programme.

MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi, acting on behalf of DEDECT MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, along with Acting Head of Department Ms. Sarah Manone, NWDC Acting CEO Mr. Thapelo Mokotedi, and NWDC Small Business Executive Ms Nokuthula Phamodi, officiated the rollout of the department’s Smart Tuck-shop Programme.

MEC Mosenogi officially launched Orefile General Dealer in Tlapeng as the first site of the Smart Tuckshop programme on behalf of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane.

The Orefile General Dealer Smart Tuck-shop project is currently funded in its initial phase, which focuses on building expansion and the installation of a point-of-sale (POS) system. This initiative aims to transform this traditional tuck shop in Tlapeng into a modern, technology-driven retail environment. The project is being executed in multiple phases. The first phase addresses physical expansion, allowing for increased stock capacity, a greater variety of products, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

The installation of the POS system, developed by the Mahikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDIHub) under the leadership of Mr. Joseph Ndaba, is a key component of the Smart Tuckshop concept. This system, a combination of hardware and software, is designed to enhance operational efficiency. The POS typically includes a cash register, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and a payment terminal for processing card transactions. It also features real-time inventory management, automatically updates stock levels after each sale, and provides detailed sales reporting.

The second phase will introduce a Digital Tuckshop – an online platform designed to extend the store’s reach and improve service delivery, particularly for SASSA beneficiaries. This transformation will include an e-commerce platform, secure payment gateway, inventory management, and delivery systems. The Digital Tuckshop will provide customers with the convenience of online shopping, secure payment options, and home delivery services.

The launch took place as part of the week’s Thunstha Lerole activities. At the services and small businesses exhibition site in Morokweng, delegates from DEDECT and NWDC toured the small businesses exhibition section to meet and greet the small business owners and learn more about their businesses.

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