"We're going cashless" controversy looms in South Africa
The great debate on going cashless...
The saying goes, “Cash is King”, but in our society, it is deemed unsafe to be carrying sizeable amounts of cash.
With a global shift towards prioritising customer safety, Woolworths is taking Mzansi by storm after signs of their cafés going cashless circulate the net.
The fact remains that their food stores are not going cashless, it's just their cafés. However, social media has seen this move as the start of what will be a cashless society in the years to come.
This debate has sparked much controversy, but Woolies is not alone in this endeavour.
Read More: Why cash in the bank is bad
Local coffee shops, market stands, and even several large restaurants have decided to go cashless. Not only does this prioritise customer safety, but it has decreased theft and fraud in these stores.
We reached out to East Coasters to find out whether they carry cash or not. The verdict is in! Many of our fellow South Africans still carry cash for a handful of reasons.
The internet has been bombarded with varying views on the “We’re going cashless" controversy.
Read More: Mzansi Math: The viral way to save money while spending it
To find out more about both sides of the story, take a look at some social media posts debating the matter:
Love this Woolworths rant about cashless transactions. Average spend there about a grand and big shops much more.
— Garth Breytenbach (@poormanscaviar) January 7, 2024
If you are comfortable in SA carrying that amount or more for clothing/family lunch etc. All power to you. In Smash n Grab SA I'd rather tap n pin. #woolworths
Going cashless is unconstitutional. Cash is a valid and legal medium of exchange. Many in SA are unbanked and cannot afford fees. @WOOLWORTHS_SA It might be convenient for your target market but still illegal to refuse cash, coins and notes issued by the SARB...just saying....
— MarianneThamm (@MarianneThamm) January 7, 2024
Woolworths goes cashless.. Do they have any rural or small town stores.. I doubt it because cash is king in those places.. When farmer Brown comes into town he pays cash..
— Brett Ben Raphael (@Brettbenraphael) January 7, 2024
Im still not sure what the big uproar was over #Woolworths post about going cashless? Wena complainant, when was the last time you withdrew money for the sole purpose of going to buy groceries at woolies? Or pay for your latte at a cafe? Ya’ll even using apple pay and google pay…
— SimplyExtrodinaryblog (@TheMusicBinger) January 7, 2024
According to the South African Reserve Bank, cash is legal tender, but merchants are not obliged to accept cash.
Over the years, cash usage has steadily decreased, with the pandemic prompting customers to shift towards card payments and digital transactions.
While the future of cash may be uncertain, it is important to remember that safety is key. Always take precautions to ensure your personal safety.
Woolworths loyal client base consists mostly of vaccinated people. These religious Woolizens will not have a problem with Woolworths going cashless just like they didn't have a problem going brainless with Pfizer vaccines. We are going to witness the emergence of cashless… pic.twitter.com/uYRIkEV8lc
— Hughes (@MainlandAfrica) January 7, 2024
@rorypetzer Anyone can now experience the Woolworths rotisserie chicken! #fyp #comedy #funny #lol ♬ The Champion - Lux-Inspira
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