The Mzansi Marketplace - Project Details

Project Overview

Mzansi Marketplace is a modern South African e-commerce platform engineered to deliver a seamless, secure, and accessible shopping experience across mobile and desktop devices. Developed with PHP, MySQL, and Tailwind CSS, the system supports Yoco-integrated payment processing, responsive product listings, and intuitive buyer flows tailored to South Africa’s diverse consumer base.A tiered subscription model governs user privileges, enabling differentiated access for store managers and general users—such as product listing limits, visibility controls, and priority product labeling. Automated email notifications guide buyers through orders and renewals, while real-time updates and dynamic search enhance platform usability. My contribution focused on building scalable, secure backend systems and crafting front-end architecture that prioritizes user experience and performance.

The platform reflects a broader mission to empower local commerce through reliable digital infrastructure and feature-rich design.

Category: E-Commerce Website

Completed: June 2025

Challenges & Solutions

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Accessibility & Inclusive Design

Making the platform usable for all, including users with limited bandwidth or disabilities.

Solution

Making the platform usable for all, including users with limited bandwidth or disabilities.

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Buyer Trust & Payment Security

First-time online shoppers in South Africa often hesitate due to concerns about card fraud and unreliable sellers.

Solution

Integrated Yoco’s PCI-compliant payment gateway for encrypted transactions. Added SSL encryption, visual trust indicators (e.g. secure checkout badges), and real-time order tracking to build confidence and transparency.

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Customer Support & Dispute Resolution

Handling inquiries, complaints, and refund requests efficiently.

Solution

Built a ticketing system with chat support integration, FAQ automation, and admin escalation workflows. Ensured timely resolution and transparent communication.

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Localized User Experience

Ensuring the platform feels familiar and relevant to South African users.

Solution

Incorporated local payment methods, ZAR currency support, and region-specific delivery options. Used culturally relevant UI elements and language to improve engagement.

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Mobile Shopping Optimization

With mobile being the primary access point for many users, the experience needed to match the speed and intuitiveness of native apps

Solution

Engineered a mobile-first architecture using responsive Tailwind CSS, async API calls, and lazy loading to minimize load times. Prioritized clear CTAs, intuitive navigation, and fast checkout flows.

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Order Fulfillment & Delivery Coordination

Managing logistics across diverse regions and delivery partners.

Solution

Integrated order status tracking, automated notifications, and delivery partner APIs. Enabled vendors to update fulfillment stages and buyers to track progress in real time.

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Scalable Product & Inventory Management

Supporting a growing catalog of products and vendors without compromising performance.

Solution

Built a modular backend using PHP and MySQL with optimized queries, pagination, and caching. Enabled vendor-specific dashboards for inventory control and product updates.

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Vendor Onboarding & Verificatio

Preventing fraudulent listings while enabling fast setup for legitimate sellers.

Solution

Developed a multi-step onboarding flow with document upload, admin review, and automated verification checks. Provided clear guidance and support throughout the process.