Pilot planned for 2027, subject to Central Bank of Eswatini approval.Protected payments for Eswatini

The deal, from both sides

Agree together.
Move forward together.

One shared process, from the first agreement to the final payment. Here is how Themba is designed to work.

  1. 01

    Agree

    Start with the same understanding.

    Agree on the item, price, delivery and fee before anyone pays. Either person can start the deal; the other accepts the terms.

  2. 02

    Pay in

    The money goes to the bank.

    The buyer pays using an available payment method and the deal reference. Payment is confirmed only after the money has cleared and been matched to the deal.

  3. 03

    Deliver

    Hand over with the terms in place.

    Once payment is confirmed, the seller delivers as agreed. For a vehicle, the process includes registration in the buyer’s name.

  4. 04

    Check

    Make sure the deal is right.

    The buyer checks the goods within the agreed inspection period. If something is wrong, they can report a problem rather than release the payment.

  5. 05

    Release

    The bank pays the seller.

    The buyer confirms, or the agreed rules authorise release. Themba instructs the bank to pay the seller. The deal has a record from start to finish.

When things do not go to plan

A problem needs a process.
Not a rushed payment.

The planned “I have a problem” route holds the money while the issue is reviewed. Both sides can provide evidence, including photos, messages and receipts.

A review can result in payment to the seller, a refund to the buyer, or a split, according to the evidence and deal rules. Refunds return to the account the money came from.

A few important distinctions

Know what the process means.

Does the buyer always press Release?

The buyer can confirm completion, or the agreed deal rules can authorise release. The applicable inspection period and release conditions must be clear before the deal is accepted.

Is the money held by Themba?

No. The intended model uses a trust account at a partner bank. Themba records the deal and instructs the bank; it does not provide a wallet or stored balance.

How are vehicle deals different?

Drive is designed to require the vehicle to be registered in the buyer’s name before release, with compliance review. It is not simply payment against a photo of a document.

Can I test a payment through this website?

No. This is an information website. It does not open deals, verify payments or accept money. Closed testing of the developed system is separate from this preview.