The Case for eMandates
WHY GOING DIGITAL STRENGTHENS YOUR DEBIT ORDER CAMPAIGN
What are mandates?
A mandate is a donor’s instruction authorising an organisation to debit their bank account on an ongoing basis. In South Africa, debit order mandates must be clear, legally compliant, and easily retrievable if disputed. There are three common types:
Hard Copy Mandates: Signed physical forms. While legally acceptable, these are difficult to collect, store, and retrieve—and nearly impossible to automate at scale.
Voice Mandates: Obtained over a recorded call. Useful for telephone fundraising, but they require high levels of compliance and secure audio storage.
Electronic Mandates (eMandates): Completed digitally through a web form or mobile interface. These are the gold standard in modern donor acquisition.
Why eMandates outperform traditional methods?
eMandates offer a number of advantages that make them superior to their hard copy and voice counterparts:
Faster Sign-Up: Donors can complete a debit order form in under two minutes from any device.
Automated Record-Keeping: Each form is securely stored, date-stamped, and easily retrievable—no paper filing cabinets or audio archives required.
Scalability: eMandates allow you to acquire thousands of donors without increasing administrative burden.
SARS & POPIA Compliance: Leading platforms like Paysoft Impact ensure eMandates are aligned with all local regulations, including 18A tax preferences.
Reduced Error Rates: With real-time validations and account verification, rejected debit orders are significantly reduced.
The bottom line.
A debit order is only as strong as the mandate that supports it. In today’s fast-paced nonprofit environment, eMandates are the most secure, scalable, and donor-friendly solution available. They are not just a convenience—they’re a necessity for sustainable fundraising.