EPTC’s ‘virtual address’ to make online shopping easy

By Khulile Thwala

The Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) has responded to the mounting calls by emaSwati to make their online shopping experience easier by acquiring a warehouse in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA) to participate in global supply chains.

This platform will provide a collection hub for international online shoppers, who will then receive their shipments from Phutfumani Courier Service in the comfort of their homes or offices.

The address is in proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport. The virtual delivery address has been introduced to improve the performance of the Phutfumani Courier Service and make online business in Eswatini to become more efficient.

According to EPTC Managing Director Themba Khumalo, the virtual address will reduce costs of delivery for consumers and further ease the tedious process of collecting items from outside of the borders.

“Now we will have goods consolidated in one address in SA as opposed to multiple collection points.”

He further said the traditional post office would benefit because previously, international packages would sometimes not make it to the kingdom but now, they would be delivered safely. The EPTC MD says this initiative will further improve the country’s revenue collection as government can use this platform to import goods efficiently, which speaks to an efficient sharing of customs revenue afforded by the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU).

Khumalo went on to say that emaSwati will have little to worry about when it comes to their items as parcels will be scanned upon arrival at the warehouse to reduce risk and further the trucks couriering the packages will be sealed upon collection.

Khumalo said customers are encouraged to buy online insurance to ensure the safety of their items before their delivery to the warehouse. Phutfumani will then provide the last mile with insurance for damage to goods. Worth noting is that the corporation is only responsible for goods in its possession.