Spaan Launches in Rosebank: A New Era of Verified Employment
On 10 June 2025, the heart of Rosebank pulsed with purpose as Spaan, South Africa’s first verification-led employment platform, officially launched at the dynamic Workshop17 venue. Designed to connect job seekers and employers through verified, inclusive, and accessible technology, Spaan’s big reveal was witnessed by top media, industry leaders, and changemakers alike.
At the helm of the day’s energy was none other than Anele Mdoda, who hosted the launch with her signature charisma, humour, and gravitas. Anele guided attendees through an inspiring programme that spotlighted the people, technology, and vision behind Spaan. National media outlets including News24 and The Citizen were there to cover the event and share the message of a platform rooted in trust, verification, and accessibility.
Meet the Panel That’s Building The Future of Work
The panel brought together voices from the technology, social development, and employment sectors to unpack the challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s job market
Afika Nontso – Founder of Spaan
Afika Nontso, the visionary behind Spaan, drew on his experience with large-scale USSD employment systems to address the need for a secure and accessible job platform. His goal: to create a tool that brings dignity, trust, and opportunity to all South Africans—no matter their location or internet access.
Tlali Taoana – Chief Marketing Officer of Spaan
With over 20 years’ experience building some of Africa’s biggest brands — including Coca-Cola, Unilever, MTN, and Grey Africa — Tlali spoke on how Spaan will shift the narrative in digital employment. His focus on strategy, trust, and scale illustrated how Spaan isn’t just a platform — it’s a trusted bridge between job seekers and employers.
Dr Andile Nontso – Doctor of Education & Community Leader
From humble beginnings in KwaBhaca to earning a PhD and launching a rural development foundation, Dr Nontso emphasized the need for platforms like Spaan in South Africa’s most underserved regions. His insights reminded guests of the real communities that stand to benefit from access, technology, and verified opportunity.
Jessica de Beer – Operations Manager, MIE
As Spaan’s official verification partner, Jessica represents nearly two decades of experience at Managed Integrity Evaluation (MIE) — South Africa’s top background screening provider. Jessica outlined how Spaan’s multi-layered verification system (covering ID, education, criminal records, fraud risk and more) protects both job seekers and employers from scams and false claims.
Looking Ahead
The launch of Spaan on 10 June 2025 was more than just an event — it was a powerful declaration of intent: to reshape the way South Africans find and offer work. With technology built for inclusion, verification that ensures trust, and a platform that meets people where they are — Spaan is set to unlock opportunity for millions.
As we step into this next chapter, we invite employers, partners, and job seekers across the country to join us. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or simply believe in the power of technology to drive change, there’s a place for you on Spaan.
The platform is accessible via USSD, Whatsapp and the web, making it available to South Africans whether they’re using a smartphone or a basic mobile device.
✅ WhatsApp (077 449 5964)
✅ USSD (Dial *120*77226#)
✅ Web (www.spaan.co.za)
“We believe every South African deserves dignified access to work,” said Afika. “Spaan is designed for everyone — from the youth in Mthatha to the cleaner in Soweto to the employer in Cape Town.”
