SoftMeet

SoftMeet is a South African zero-rated communication and access platform for individuals, students, job seekers, and communities who need to stay connected and access services even when they cannot afford mobile data or airtime.

Key capabilities include:

• Data-free chat and groups, supporting text messaging and group conversations through partnerships with major South African mobile networks
• Data-less marketplace for browsing products, listing items for sale, and messaging buyers and sellers from inside the platform
• Job portal that lets users browse job listings, apply for roles, upload CVs and documents, and receive job alerts without mobile data
• Embedded data-free API integration for organisations that want to deliver zero-rated access to citizen or customer services via the app (examples listed include government departments, municipalities, financial institutions, and businesses)

Available on Web (including a browser-based meetings site), Android (Google Play), iOS (App Store), and via an API integration option; the app is also distributed via Huawei AppGallery.

It is designed for low-income communities, students, public institutions, and civic engagement initiatives in South Africa, as well as organisations that need to communicate with and serve people facing “connectivity poverty.”

Notable in the South African context, the platform focuses on data-free access to messaging, community features, jobs, and marketplace activity, targeting everyday digital participation where mobile data costs can be a barrier.