Mi-Change has officially expanded its digital voucher program to Johannesburg, providing residents with a structured way to support individuals facing housing inequality.
How the digital vouchers work
Through this program, donors can scan the SnapScan QR code displayed on a registered participant's badge. A voucher worth R15 can be used at participating support centers to purchase essential items such as hot meals, showers, clean clothes, or a safe place to sleep. Mi-Change notes that the system allows donors to help with specific needs while giving participating organizations the ability to distribute, exchange, and track these vouchers.
A personal journey to stability
For Dylon Jordan, the digital vouchers have been a lifeline. Jordan, who was previously homeless, now works at Mi-Change. He recalls spending days washing taxis for small amounts to survive. One cold and rainy day when there were no taxis to wash, a friend gave him a Mi-Change voucher. Jordan shares: 'It opened the door to dignity and to a community of people who believed I could change, even when I didn't see it myself.' He adds: 'Joburg needs that same door for many other people. It is not charity. It is giving someone a reason to take the next step.'
Nyeleti Magadze, Head of Social Development at Jozi My Jozi, which collaborates with the program in a Johannesburg center, states that this initiative encourages residents to move from informal cash donations to more organized support. She explains: 'While handing someone on the street 50 rand comes from kindness, donors often don't know how that money is ultimately used.' Magadze emphasizes: 'If they have a badge with this digital voucher program, scan the badge and donate what they need, instead of saying, 'Here is the money; decide what you want to do with it.' '
The digital voucher program is available through the Mi-Change platform. It enables donors to fund specific needs and allows participating organizations to distribute, exchange, and track vouchers. Magadze also points out that the system gives participants greater freedom of choice in receiving assistance. 'People can decide how they engage with the program, what services they receive, and how they restore their dignity through the support network.'
Expansion in Johannesburg
Jonathan Hopkins, Director of Strategy at U-Turn Homeless Ministries, notes that this initiative highlights the ongoing homelessness crisis in Johannesburg, offering residents a practical way to help. He comments on the launch of the program in a local format: 'The vouchers use SnapScan, a familiar platform, which eliminates the need for training or hesitation. This allows people to donate directly, ensuring that every donation connects a person to support and the possibility of change.'
Andre Ross, CEO of Citi South Africa, believes that this initiative offers a simple way to give back to the community through a fully accountable ecosystem. He stated: 'We often look for solutions outside of South Africa, but this is a great reminder that we can solve our own problems locally, driven by people who understand the pulse and needs of our community.' Ross added: 'We are pleased because Mi-Change greatly simplifies the human act of giving, while implementing technology, measurability, and scalability.'
Mi-Change National Manager Carmen Dickinson is currently training staff and participants in Johannesburg and Pretoria as the program expands. Johannesburg became the second city to adopt this system after its initial launch in Cape Town in July 2026. The Mi-Change digital voucher works as follows: a donor uses SnapScan to scan the QR code on a person's badge to purchase an R15 voucher. Each R15 voucher is equivalent to one necessary service, giving the recipient access to food, a shower, clothing, or a safe place to sleep. These vouchers can be redeemed at all MES and U-turn service centers and shelters.