SMSPortal launches 2017 internship program to support talent development: SMSPortal is pleased to announce the launch of its 2017 Software Development Internship Program. Now in its fourth year, the two-week paid internship consistently attracts exceptional students from leading universities across South Africa. This year, SMSPortal expects to receive more than 1,000 applications for four placements in its Cape Town headquarters. During the internship program, which runs over the June/July … [Read more...] about SMSPortal launches 2017 internship program to support talent development
SMSPortal
Consumers wrongfully footing opt-out bill
54% of South Africans live below the poverty line, surviving on R779 or less a month many can barely afford enough food. So to be charged to opt out of unwanted SMS communication puts further pressure on those under financial strain. “When individuals reply STOP to unsubscribe, they’re having to pay for that SMS to unsubscribe from communication, they maybe didn’t even request,” advises SMSPortal MD, Charles Stretch. In section 11 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) (No. 68 of 2008), it … [Read more...] about Consumers wrongfully footing opt-out bill
Sand Babies Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy Programme launches
One in three girls in South Africa fall pregnant before their 20th birthday, and it’s with this statistic in mind that Early Inspiration’s first Sand Babies Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy Programme launches this week with grade eight and nine pupils from all five high schools in Graaff Reinet: Union High School, Hoer Volkskool, Nqweba Secondary School, Asherville Secondary School and Spandau Secondary School. This programme may also be implemented throughout rural communities in the Eastern … [Read more...] about Sand Babies Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy Programme launches
Software development for business growth
From humble beginnings in a garage, SMSPortal has grown 50% year on year since its inception in 2002 and today is plugged into hundreds of mobile networks and has a client base spanning the globe, reaching billions of consumers daily. By investing in its bulk SMS software which it built from scratch, the success SMSPortal enjoys today, is due to its continual investment in its backend processes to improve client experience and ensure a return on investment for its bulk SMS customer … [Read more...] about Software development for business growth
Crack the puzzle to earn an internship
SMSPortal – the successful bulk SMS marketing business used by the likes of Pick 'n Pay and Anglo American – was started in a Port Elizabeth garage in 2002 by two students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Today, the business has an annual turnover of over R300m and a growing international customer base, but founders Charles Stretch and James Pearce remain loyal to their roots. The company, which has offices in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, has eight NMMU graduates within its … [Read more...] about Crack the puzzle to earn an internship
SMSPORTAL partners with two worthy causes in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth-based Early Inspiration and Siyaya Skills Institute are now proud Corporate Social Investment (CSI) partners of leading software development house SMSPortal. Early Inspiration's guiding vision is to change children’s lives in South Africa. The organisation directly and indirectly positively impacts almost 10 000 children that it is working to develop into ambitious, confident, knowledgeable and dynamic leaders through teacher training, home visits and parent programmes in … [Read more...] about SMSPORTAL partners with two worthy causes in Port Elizabeth
Consumers happier to share data with open and honest brands
Consumers in SA are more likely to share their data with open and honest brands, says Charles Stretch, MD of Port Elizabeth based bulk SMS provider SMSPortal. Data privacy has been a hot topic since the discussion and introduction of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act but no one could have predicted the impact the new legislation would have on consumer opinion. As a result of discussion and media coverage consumers have a much stronger opinion (positive or negative) than … [Read more...] about Consumers happier to share data with open and honest brands
Increase social media traffic with SMS
Considering the growth and numbers related to social media and how integrated into our lives, and our relationship with our mobile phone. It’s no surprise that brands are using SMS to acquire social media traffic to increase engagement and sales. 83% of text messages are read within the first three minutes of receipt, and the open rate for texts is 98%. So it’s easy to understand how SMS allows easier interaction for brands. Using this platform business can prompt customers to participate on … [Read more...] about Increase social media traffic with SMS
Privacy shouldn’t come at a price
Privacy shouldn’t come at a price, and as consumers we are entitled to restrict unwanted direct marketing and have the right to privacy. But, South Africa’s Wireless Application Service Provider’s Association (WASPA) code of conduct allows its members to charge consumers to opt-out of direct SMS marketing. But, the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) dictates that no fee may be charged for any opt-out. So where does this leave consumers? According to the CPA consumers must be able to … [Read more...] about Privacy shouldn’t come at a price
Learnerships for the disabled, and creating better opportunties
Training is not often readily available to persons with disabilities, and many training centres will not accept a person with a disability because of the assumption, such a person will ‘slow down’ the learning process for others. As a result, this is reflected in the workplace. There is a lack of reliable information about the nature and prevalence of disability in South Africa and in the 2011 Census, because ‘disability’ was redefined as ‘having difficulties with a series of tasks such as … [Read more...] about Learnerships for the disabled, and creating better opportunties
SMSPortal launches new branding
SMSPortal, the Port Elizabeth and Cape Town-based leading bulk SMS company, which delivers targeted SMS campaigns, and associated services, is proud to present its new logo and overall brand refresh. Charles Stretch, SMSPortal’s MD worked with Online Innovations to update and strengthen the business’s brand and positioning. Stretch commented: “We have sought to reinvigorate the SMSPortal brand assets, and will be updating the website in the coming weeks to reflect our broader business. With … [Read more...] about SMSPortal launches new branding
Early Inspiration training to encourage school career success
A stream of 24 new students are taking part in Early Inspiration Training (EITP), a teacher training programme designed for current or prospective practitioners in underprivileged areas who deal directly with children aged between birth and six years. Early childhood education in the Eastern Cape has been targeted as a priority sector. There are 4.4 million babies and young children in South Africa and according to the Education White Paper 5 on Early Childhood Development (2001:2), 40% of … [Read more...] about Early Inspiration training to encourage school career success
SMSPortal enlists Sapphire Street
SMSPortal has called in Sapphire Street for a new corporate PR drive. With its head office in Cape Town, SMSPortal is South Africa’s leading bulk SMS provider with partnerships with every South African mobile network. Sapphire Street will raise the organisation’s profile, and increase its share of voice within a very competitive market. SMSPortal Managing Director, Charles Stretch said: “We are the biggest player in the market, with a great product and service range which needs to be … [Read more...] about SMSPortal enlists Sapphire Street
