Question 1

What is a stokvel?

Accepted Answer

A stokvel is a rotating savings group, common in southern Africa, where members contribute a fixed amount on a set day each month and the pooled money is paid out to members in turn. Motshelo is the equivalent term in Botswana. PulaPool tracks who has contributed, whose payout is next, and what the group agreed.

Question 2

Does PulaPool hold our money?

Accepted Answer

No. Contributions go directly between members and the group's own bank account. PulaPool records what was paid, approves proof of payment, and keeps the statement — it never takes custody of the funds.

Question 3

Is PulaPool free?

Accepted Answer

Administering one group is free, and joining groups other people run is always free and unlimited. Premium is for members who administer several groups, and adds exportable statements and an audit trail.

Question 4

Which countries and currencies does PulaPool support?

Accepted Answer

PulaPool supports groups across Africa and beyond, including South Africa (ZAR), Botswana (BWP), Kenya (KES), Nigeria (NGN), Ghana (GHS), Tanzania (TZS), Uganda (UGX), Zambia (ZMW), Namibia (NAD), Lesotho (LSL), Eswatini (SZL), Mozambique (MZN) and Zimbabwe (USD), with amounts shown in the currency you choose.

Question 5

How does PulaPool prevent disputes about who paid?

Accepted Answer

Every contribution carries a reference, a proof-of-payment upload, and an approval by the group admin. The audit trail records each event in order, and the statement can be exported as CSV or PDF so any member can check the record themselves.