Partnering with Change Logic, BankservAfrica successfully delivered a successful change enablement programme for one of South Africa’s ambitious payments modernisation initiatives. Through a structured and deliberate approach to change management, BankservAfrica engaged stakeholders across the financial services industry to ensure the seamless roll-out of the industry-driven PayShap, setting a new benchmark for rapid and effective payments.
PayShap is a real-time payment system designed to enhance financial inclusion and simplify digital transactions. Given the scale and complexity of the roll-out, BankservAfrica, as the appointed “scheme operator” for the PayShap service, recognised the need for a fresh approach to change management. To this end, BankservAfrica’s enterprise project management office (EPMO) selected Change Logic, renowned specialists in change management, for their expertise in this area.
“The clarity and cohesion brought by a structured change management framework enabled us to align stakeholders, accelerate deployment and deliver a transformative payment solution for South Africa,” said BankservAfrica.
Addressing the change management challenge
As Africa’s largest automated clearing house, BankservAfrica is at the forefront of payments modernisation, working to support the South African Reserve Bank’s vision for a more digital, inclusive financial ecosystem. However, launching PayShap required navigating a diverse landscape of participating banks, each with distinct internal structures and operational models. The challenge was deploying the technology and ensuring every stakeholder could integrate and adopt the system efficiently.
Traditional approaches to change management weren’t fit for purpose for a project of this magnitude. Without a clear framework, misalignment between banks, delays in adoption and communication gaps that could have impacted the programme’s progress. BankservAfrica introduced a structured change management framework to avoid these risks, ensuring every participating bank had the resources, guidance and support they needed.
A framework for success
Working closely with BankservAfrica, Change Logic introduced a structured, data-driven change management framework tailored to the Rapid Payments Programme (RPP). This framework became the cornerstone of the BankservAfrica’s EPMO, embedding change management into the core of the organisation’s operations.
The approach followed a phased methodology, guiding banks through preparation, implementation and reinforcement. By providing tailored resources, including training, templates and structured road maps, BankservAfrica empowered stakeholders to integrate PayShap seamlessly, even those without dedicated change management teams.
Change Logic’s expertise in financial services and large-scale transformation proved instrumental in executing the strategy. By structuring the process into clear, actionable steps, the framework ensured the smooth adoption of PayShap across the sector.
Industry-leading results
The impact of this structured change management strategy was evident in the speed and success of PayShap’s roll-out. While similar payment modernisation projects in countries such as Canada and the US have faced significant delays due to fragmented change strategies, BankservAfrica’s approach ensured rapid deployment in record time.
“This combination of speed, precision and collaboration has established a new benchmark for payments modernisation in South Africa. By uniting stakeholders under a clear and structured framework, we not only delivered PayShap efficiently but demonstrated what’s possible when innovation and effective change management come together. It’s a success story that positions South Africa as a leader in real-time payment systems,” said BankservAfrica.
Beyond accelerating deployment, the initiative strengthened industry-wide collaboration. Banks and financial institutions have praised the structured approach, with internal readiness assessments revealing strong support and confidence in the programme.
“Change management is often overlooked in large-scale financial transformations, but as PayShap has shown, it is a critical enabler of success. A structured, phased approach can eliminate barriers, drive adoption and create lasting impact. This project proves that with the right framework, even the most complex initiatives can succeed,” said Kgomotso Chaka, a consultant at Change Logic.
About Change Logic
For over two decades, Change Logic has been shaking up the world of change management, delivering targeted performance benefits with minimal disruption. A local team of solution-orientated experts provide scientific, fit-for-purpose solutions across four divisions: Change Management Solutions, People Solutions, Training Solutions and Engagement Solutions. As a level-1 B-BBEE partner, Change Logic doesn’t just manage change – it masters it. It breaks down silos, drives sustainable growth and rescues projects where others have failed. When consultancies and frustrated businesses need real results, they turn to Change Logic, the no-nonsense experts putting the science into change. For more, visit: changelogic.co.za.
About BankservAfrica
BankservAfrica is the trusted payments partner and financial markets infrastructure provider to the financial services industry. As the largest automated payments clearing house in Africa, we clear and process billions of card, cash and account-based transactions annually. Our role in the South African national payments system is to enable safe financial payment services for all South Africans, irrespective of their location. With over 50 years in South Africa, BankservAfrica operates 24/7, 365 days a year and delivers on stringent service-level agreements.
About PayShap
Launched on 13 March 2023, PayShap is South Africa’s real-time, low-value, interbank digital payments solution currently offered at 11 South African banks, namely Absa, African Bank, Capitec, Discovery Bank, FNB, HBZ Bank, Investec, Nedbank, TymeBank, Sasfin and Standard Bank. This service is enabled by the Rapid Payment Platform infrastructure and governed by the PayShap scheme for which BankservAfrica is the appointed scheme operator and scheme manager. For more information, please visit www.payshap.co.za.
