A Platform Built on Experience and Innovation
SPAAN, South Africa’s easiest employment platform, is the culmination of real-world experience, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to addressing unemployment. At the heart of SPAAN’s journey is its founder, Afika Nontso, whose extensive experience in USSD projects and employment solutions laid the foundation for this transformative platform.
Meet the Founder:
Afika Nontso
Afika Nontso, a seasoned SAP ISU Consultant and entrepreneur, has spent years working on innovative solutions that bridge the gap between technology and accessibility. With a passion for empowering underserved communities, Afika’s career has been defined by delivering impactful digital projects that prioritize inclusivity and efficiency.
Case Studies That Shaped SPAAN
SPAAN was born out of a series of groundbreaking projects that highlighted the potential of technology to drive employment solutions. Among these, two key case studies stand out:
1. The City of Tshwane’s EPWP USSD Project
Afika was the lead functional consultant in building the City of Tshwane’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) USSD application. This platform allowed city residents to register on the EPWP database using a simple USSD code, making the service accessible to those without internet access.
- Impact:
Over 150,000 registrations were achieved within the first six months of its launch in November 2023, showcasing the immense demand and usability of such platforms. This success validated the concept of SPAAN as a nationwide solution.
2. SPAAN’s Predecessor Projects
While consulting on other technology-driven employment projects, Afika witnessed the challenges of unverified job seekers, outdated recruitment systems, and the digital divide. These experiences inspired the development of SPAAN, designed to be inclusive, scalable, and impactful.
Why SPAAN is Unique
SPAAN is more than just a recruitment platform; it’s a tool for transformation. Built on lessons learned from prior USSD projects, SPAAN is designed to be:
- Accessible: Available via USSD and web, reaching even the most remote communities.
- Verified: Ensuring trust with ID verifications, fraud checks, matric certificate, driver’s license, bank account and qualification, as well as criminal record checks.
- Inclusive: Connecting job seekers and employers across all sectors, including informal markets.
Afika’s experience with the EPWP project ensured SPAAN’s infrastructure could handle high demand while delivering seamless user experiences and a platform that is inclusive and built for all South African’s.
Driving Impact Through Experience
The success of SPAAN’s foundational projects has translated into a platform that prioritizes the needs of both job seekers and employers. Afika’s deep understanding of USSD technology and its potential for scalability has ensured SPAAN is equipped to address South Africa’s unique employment challenges.
The Future of SPAAN
With SPAAN, Afika and the team aim to transform the job market by:
- Registering 2 million verified users within the first 3 years.
- Bridging the digital divide to create equal opportunities for all.
- Supporting employers in finding reliable, verified candidates quickly and efficiently improving job placement and sustainability.
A Platform for Change
SPAAN is not just a business—it’s a mission to create a better, more inclusive job market for South Africa. Inspired by real-world experience and validated by successful case studies, SPAAN is poised to drive meaningful change in the way people connect with opportunities.
Join SPAAN in this journey of transformation.
