As WAPPoint celebrates 25 years in business, we sat down with Managing Director Leigh Goosen to reflect on the company’s incredible journey — from its pioneering beginnings to the cutting-edge payment solutions driving businesses forward today.
Growing with WAPPoint
“I started at WAPPoint in 2004 as a personal assistant to the managing director,” Leigh recalls. “Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked in and managed every part of the company — and now I’m running it. I basically grew up in this business. Each stage challenged me and taught me something new.”
Her passion for payments is undeniable. “Payments is a true passion of mine. I’m one of those nerds who gets genuinely excited about every new product or technology that comes along.”
Where It All Began
The WAPPoint story started with a group of friends and developers who saw an opportunity to change how small businesses accept payments.
“One of the founders once saw a store owner struggling to explain why he couldn’t accept card payments — the banks at that time wouldn’t support smaller merchants,” Leigh explains. “That moment sparked an idea to create a simpler, more accessible solution. They invented the world’s first cell phone-based card payment solution using WAP technology — giving birth to the name WAPPoint.”
It was innovation born out of empathy and necessity — a theme that still defines the company today.
Andrew, who is Leigh’s father, then joined a few years later and grew it into a thriving solution for exhibitors, SMEs and market stall holders.
Andrew recalls: “When I started at WAPPoint in 2003, I have been desperate to find a new opportunity after I lost my business in 1995. The offer at WAPPoint was not exactly attractive but God gave me a clear message to go and help Gary and to trust Him.” Since then there were many Miracles at WAPPoint. Andrew said “I can honestly tell you that I have never had a career that suited my personality as well as this one. Thank you, Lord!”
A Vision for the Future
Leigh’s vision for WAPPoint is clear: to give business owners one powerful tool to run everything.
“Just like our smartphones, we want our devices to do it all,” she says. “Soon, business owners will be able to manage point of sale, payments, airtime sales, staff management, payroll, loyalty programmes, bookkeeping, and even apply for funding — all from one payment device.”
But beneath the technology lies a deeper purpose. “Our driving force has always been to create more jobs in the economy. When we empower small businesses to grow, they create employment — and that’s what really motivates us.”
The Evolution of Payments
Having been part of the company for 21 of its 25 years, Leigh has seen the payments industry evolve dramatically.
“From zip-zap machines and telephone line card devices to Bluetooth and mobile solutions — and now Android-based smart terminals — it’s been an incredible journey,” she says. “We’re even launching a tablet-based card machine soon!”
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Reflecting on challenges, Leigh shares one of the biggest turning points in the business.
“About ten years ago, we lost a valuable manager, and shortly after, 15 team members resigned. It was a tough time and forced us to rebuild. But it taught us one of the most important lessons — the value of taking care of your people. Our people look after our customers, so we put them first.”
Family at the Heart of the Business
WAPPoint’s success is also deeply rooted in family.
“I work alongside my father, our Technical Director and Chairman, and my sister, who’s our Financial and Administrative Director,” Leigh smiles. “My dad is a true entrepreneur and has been my greatest mentor, and my sister — even though we’re opposites — has always been my best friend. Through the business, we have grown closer and we really enjoy working together. Our passion for the company is so intense that we had to create a rule for family gatherings so as not to irritate the rest of our family, that we may not talk shop at family gatherings!”
Building a Team That Thrives
WAPPoint’s people-first culture extends to hiring, too.
“Our environment is fast-paced and high pressure, but our team thrives on that energy,” Leigh says. “We handpick each person based on their strengths and place them where they’ll shine. Our philosophy is simple: if you use your strengths every day, you excel.”
When hiring, WAPPoint looks for go-getters with leadership qualities. “Mark Zuckerberg once said he only hires people who can teach him something — and that stuck with me. We hire people we can learn from.”
Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs
For those launching their own business, Leigh shares three pieces of advice:
Manage your cash flow – It’s the number one reason businesses fail.
Persevere – Tough times build strength.
Look after your people – They’re the backbone of your success.
The Next Wave of Change
The rise of AI is something Leigh finds both thrilling and challenging.
“Our AI bots, Wilson and Wendy, now handle WhatsApp, online chat, and knowledge base interactions better than humans can keep up with,” she says. “It’s exciting to see how AI can enhance service, but it’s also a reminder that we must help our customers adapt to the coming changes.”
Staying Ahead of the Curve
WAPPoint continues to innovate through reseller programmes, developer integrations, and a constant focus on launching new technologies. “We’re always looking for ways to stay ahead — whether that’s through new devices, integrations, or smarter solutions.”
The Next 25 Years
Looking ahead, Leigh envisions a digital-first world.
“Digital payments will only grow — QR codes, peer-to-peer, wallets, bitcoin, and eCommerce will all become more mainstream,” she predicts. “AI will play a bigger role in managing business processes, and we’ll continue helping entrepreneurs adapt, grow, and succeed.”
Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation and Impact
From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted leader in South Africa’s payment industry, WAPPoint’s 25-year journey is one defined by innovation, resilience, and heart. As the team celebrates this remarkable milestone, they honour every customer, reseller, and staff member who helped shape the story.
Here’s to the next 25 years of empowering businesses, creating opportunities, and driving South Africa’s digital payment future forward — together.
