In the fast-paced world of fintech, innovation is everything. But at Pay@, we know the real engine of change isn't just the technology. It's the people behind it. This Women's Month, we're celebrating the trailblazing women who are not just shaping our company but are building the future of payments in South Africa. 

In fintech, there's always talk about innovation and disruption, but what really gets us excited is the people behind it all. And honestly? Some of our best problem-solvers, leaders, and visionaries happen to be women. 

We thought you should meet them.  

Lani van der Merwe – Payment Network Manager 

With nearly five years of experience in payments, Lani knows the industry’s complexity – balancing compliance, risk, customer experience, and constant change. She thrives in the mix of problem-solving and collaboration, working across teams to turn complex challenges into simple, intuitive solutions that improve how people manage their financial lives. 

Her standout contribution has been leading Pay@’s collaboration with major national retail chains and informal traders to expand payment access across South Africa. In rural and peri-urban areas, many people rely on local stores or spaza shops to manage their financial lives. Through these partnerships, Pay@ is now integrated into thousands of retail locations nationwide, enabling customers to pay for municipal rates, DStv, utilities, and school fees at their nearest store – often with extended hours and greater convenience.  

Her advice to women in business: “Always make space for yourself – just as you do for your work and your family. And surround yourself with people who remind you of your strength, especially in moments when you forget it.” 

Nafisa Kootbodien – Head of Operations 

With just over two years in payments, Nafisa has built a reputation for leading teams through both everyday challenges and high-pressure incidents – always keeping merchants informed and supported. Her approach rests on three pillars: keep processes clear, rely on data over gut feel, and empower the team to act fast. By partnering with product and tech to remove manual bottlenecks, she ensures systems support people, not the other way around.  

Some of her standout achievements include streamlining reversals and refunds for retail payment partners, creating defined roles and integrated systems, and setting up a robust logging process, which has sped up execution and improved accuracy. 

Her philosophy is simple: “Build genuine relationships, keep learning, and don’t aim for perfection – just show up, learn, and back each other.” She believes that small acts of recognition, like calling out good work in a meeting, can build confidence and strengthen teams. 

Anina van Niekerk – Java Developer 

Two years into fintech, and Anina still gets energised knowing her code makes a tangible difference – from helping grandmothers pay bills at retailers to enabling families to send money to loved ones. For her, it’s personal: she often thinks of her own grandmother being able to conveniently pay bills in-store, and knows that every minute saved for a customer matters. 

Her recent win? Implementing a unique functionality for Pay@’s card payment integration (Callpay) that reduced open transactions by more than 60%. That’s a technical achievement with a direct, real-world payoff for customers. She’s also intentional about staying informed, keeping an eye on what other fintech companies are doing to spark new ideas and stay ahead. Anina’s technical skill is matched by her ability to communicate ideas clearly and assertively, making it easier for technical and non-technical teams to work together.  

Her advice goes beyond code: “Learn how to say no in order to protect time and focus on what truly matters for career growth.” She believes that if you want to move forward, you must guard your time and concentrate on the work that truly drives impact. And when it comes to uplifting others? She says it’s simple: “If you know a woman with the right skills for the job, recommend her.” 

Irene Geldenhuys – Business Analyst 

With 20 years in finance and 14 in business analysis, Irene's seen it all. At Pay@, she sees her role as a puzzle, enjoying the depth and complexity that lay beneath the surface of seemingly simple systems.  

People think business analysis is straightforward, but there's so much depth beneath. Her recent achievement? Leading a baseline project and creating Pay@'s first-ever foundational Business Architecture document – no small feat. It became a central reference point, accelerating project delivery across all teams.  

Irene's philosophy is refreshingly human – to actively listen to one another without judgment, which she believes creates space for meaningful collaboration. Her advice to other women? “Don't hold back – nothing is off-limits anymore. The path might not always be easy, but it’s yours to walk.” 

Matshepo Mathabatha – Junior Accountant 

Eight months into fintech, Matshepo’s learned that attention to detail is everything. She’s developed the discipline to slow down and double-check, even in a fast-paced environment. For Matshepo, this role is a constant learning opportunity, with room to contribute beyond her immediate scope. 

She’s also discovered that finance in a tech company is far from a hidden back-office function. It’s deeply connected to innovation and business growth, keeping the numbers honest so that big ideas can scale sustainably.  

Her work approach is rooted in humanity. She believes in creating psychologically safe spaces for honest conversations, where vulnerability is met with support rather than judgment. “Be bold enough to ask for more and make the call,” she says – advice she lives by. And sometimes, she adds, making a real difference can be as simple as asking a colleague to grab a coffee and talk things through. 

Noluvo Bavuma – Integration Support Specialist 

After five years in the financial services sector, Noluvo has learned that agility and strong collaboration are vital. She has experience in support, operations, and integrations, which has given her a comprehensive understanding of how systems need to work together to deliver seamless, secure, and scalable payment experiences. 

Noluvo is passionate about tackling meaningful challenges and making payments more accessible for everyone. Her proudest achievement? The standardisation of pilot testing with major retailers, which has led to more efficient integrations, built confidence with network partners and scaled Pay@’s reach. 

For Noluvo, confidence is a game changer in ensuring timely, high-quality rollouts. In her words: “Be confident in your voice and be intentional about your growth. Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask questions, or try something new – even if you’re still learning.” And when it comes to supporting other women, she believes even small gestures – a quick “you’re doing great” or a shared coffee – can boost confidence and foster a sense of belonging. 

More Than a Seat at the Table 

What unites these women isn't a single background or skill set. It's a shared tenacity and a commitment to excellence. They are problem-solvers, builders, and leaders who are not just participating in fintech but are actively shaping it. 

Their stories are a testament to our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where women can thrive. We believe that when women don't just get a seat at the table but help design the table itself, that's when real, lasting change happens. By celebrating their unique strengths, we are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in South Africa and beyond. 

This is what we're proud to celebrate – today, and every day.