Jem HR has taken a bold step toward bridging South Africa’s digital inequality gap with the launch of Jem Mobile, a mobile service designed to make data and smartphone access affordable for frontline workers. With prepaid data costing the equivalent of three hours of work for just 1GB, millions of low-wage earners have been disproportionately burdened by high connectivity costs that limit access to communication, financial inclusion, and economic opportunities. Jem Mobile directly tackles this challenge by offering affordable smartphones and data contracts through payroll deduction, ensuring employees can stay connected without facing the barriers of credit checks or the inflated prices of prepaid bundles.
This initiative is especially impactful for essential workers in sectors such as security, manufacturing, cleaning, and retail—individuals who often rely on mobile devices to receive work updates and access digital platforms, but are forced to choose between data and daily necessities. By using payroll deduction, Jem Mobile removes financial risk and unlocks contract-level pricing for workers who would otherwise be excluded due to low income or impaired credit records. This model allows participants to pay significantly less for data access, ensuring that individuals who earn the least no longer pay the most.
For employers, Jem Mobile offers a zero-cost, zero-risk solution that integrates directly into existing payroll systems. Companies can now provide a highly valued employee benefit without any financial liability or administrative burden, as Jem manages every aspect of the process—from onboarding and payments to after-sales support. This creates stronger employer-employee communication channels and supports workforce productivity, while enhancing employee welfare and financial stability.
Through hands-on onboarding, ICASA-approved devices, and ongoing support for SIM swaps, theft, device maintenance, and contract management, Jem ensures that even first-time contract holders have a seamless experience. Employees can also manage their services directly on WhatsApp, making the platform accessible and user-friendly. The initiative supports more than 200,000 employees across 180 businesses, demonstrating its operational scale and commitment to impact.
By empowering frontline workers with affordable access to technology, Jem Mobile is not only transforming digital inclusion but also contributing to fair access to economic opportunity. This launch marks a major milestone in South Africa’s journey toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring every worker has the tools to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
