Three schools in the Johannesburg area have issued their learners with smart cards, called MySchool Learner Cards, as a first step towards becoming "cashless" environments.
The cards have a multi-application microchip that enables them to be used as a payment device at school vending machines and tuckshops. The cards can also be used to pay for school-related items, such as outings, photocopying and transport.
The cards are designed to reduce the amount of cash processed at schools and provide a more efficient and cheaper means of payment.
The cards contain the personal details of learners, their photograph and school badge.
Standard Bank, in association with Virtual Market Place (VMP), is participating in the smart card project at Northcliff High School, Dainfern College and Brescia House.
VMP was founded six years ago to help schools with their fund-raising. It provides specialised technology services to schools under the MySchool brand. VMP has also developed the MySchool Supporter Card, which is issued to parents. When parents use the card at various retailers, a portion of the money spent goes to the school of their choice.
More than 100 schools, predominantly in north-western Johannesburg, have raised more than R3 million to date using the MySchool Supporters Card.