A South African couple is planning to launch a pilot project called WattWallet, a “pay just not” prepaid electricity initiative.

The concept was born out of the desire to help households that run out of power before payday.

PREPAID ELECTRICITY TOP-UP INITIATIVE ON THE CARDS

Cape Town couple Keagan and Zhaida Jacobs have gone public with their plans to launch a prepaid electricity top-up start-up called WattWallet.

According to the Jacobs, who were previously unemployed, the concept is geared toward helping South Africans who run out of power before payday.

The couple claimed they surveyed several families who have backed the initiative.

They are now planning a 30-day pilot project to test their theory.

The Jacobs said of their self-funded start-up: “Households running out of prepaid electricity before month-end, not because they’re irresponsible, but because life happens and costs keep rising.

“It’s a way to help families stay on top of their electricity, avoid surprises, manage their power better, and eventually create real job opportunities for the community. This is about dignity, this is about hope. This is about giving South Africans tools that actually make life easier”.

WATTWALLET PREPAID ELECTRICITY: HOW IT WORKS

According to its Facebook account, WattWallet lets South Africans access a small prepaid electricity advance that is repaid at month-end. This will include a small service fee.

The proposed concept is that users can receive their top-up by entering their electricity metre numbers in an app that uses limited data. They will then receive tokens, which will help restore power to their households.

The sum of the top-up and a service fee is payable when their funds are available. The app will feature a rewards system that encourages responsible repayment.

Nobody prepares you for this moment.
When the electricity finishes before the month does.
Not because you’re reckless….

Posted by WattWallet on Sunday 18 January 2026

PAY LATER OPTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

If proven successful, WattWallet and prepaid electricity could become another commodity under the buy now, pay later umbrella.

Currently, South Africans can pay for items like clothing, household appliances, beauty services, furniture, and even food in installments instead of traditional upfront purchases.

Buy now, pay later service providers include the following:

• Payflex
• Pay Just Now
• Happy Pay
• Zero Pay
• Microbed
• Float

Several banks, including Tyme, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and Absa, are also offering similar installment repayment options.

The interest-free installments are short-term. However, late payments can incur penalties and bank fees, and, if unpaid, even legal action.