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COMPARISON / OUTGROWN PAYMENT-ONLY TOOL

TimeWorks vs iKhokha - Honest Comparison 2026

iKhokha has simplified card payments for thousands of South African small businesses. Like Yoco, it excels as a payment acceptance tool. But growing businesses consistently hit the ceiling of what payment-first systems can do once inventory, staff management, and detailed reporting become operational necessities. This comparison helps you identify that moment.

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info Transparency note: This comparison is maintained by TimeWorks. We aim for accuracy but recommend verifying current pricing and features directly with each provider before making a purchasing decision.
FEATURE COMPARISON

Side-by-Side Breakdown

CRITERION TIMEWORKS IKHOKHA
Primary function Full POS and business management Card payment acceptance
Stock management Full inventory with reorder alerts Not available
Staff management Clock-in, shifts, performance Not available
Reporting 20+ report types, SARS-ready Basic transaction history
Transaction fees No percentage fee on sales Percentage fee per transaction
Multi-counter Multiple terminals, shared database Independent devices
TIMEWORKS ADVANTAGES

Where TimeWorks Wins

  • check_circleFull inventory management, stock control, and supplier ordering
  • check_circleStaff clock-in, shift management, and performance reporting
  • check_circleMulti-terminal synchronisation for simultaneous counters
  • check_circleSARS-compliant invoicing, VAT reporting, and end-of-day Z-reports
IKHOKHA STRENGTHS

Where iKhokha Leads

  • infoVery low barrier to entry with affordable card machines
  • infoStraightforward transaction processing for mobile merchants
  • infoGood integration with South African banking infrastructure
  • infoNo monthly fees on entry-level card acceptance
gavel OUR HONEST VERDICT

iKhokha is the right tool for a sole trader who primarily needs to accept card payments on the go. Once you have a permanent premises, multiple staff members, and stock to manage, iKhokha's feature set is no longer sufficient. The transaction fees alone justify upgrading at medium volumes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions

At what point should I upgrade from iKhokha to TimeWorks? add
There are three common triggers. First, when transaction fees exceed the cost of a fixed POS system, typically around R80,000 to R100,000 per month in card sales. Second, when you hire more than two staff members and need shift management, clock-in tracking, and till reconciliation. Third, when stock discrepancies become a regular problem and you need proper inventory control. If any of these apply to your business now, it is worth requesting a TimeWorks demo to compare the ongoing cost benefit.
Can I use iKhokha alongside TimeWorks? add
Yes. Some TimeWorks clients use iKhokha card machines at secondary service points while TimeWorks handles the main counter and back-office functions. TimeWorks integrates with a range of dedicated card payment terminals for high-volume fixed counters. iKhokha can continue serving as a mobile acceptance tool for deliveries, market days, or outdoor seating areas where a full terminal is not practical. The two systems operate independently but complement each other well in that configuration.
Does iKhokha offer stock management features? add
iKhokha has added some basic product listing functionality over time, but it is not a stock management system. You cannot set reorder levels, track stock variance, manage supplier purchase orders, or generate stock-take reports. For a business managing even 50 to 100 SKUs, the absence of proper inventory tools creates shrinkage risk and missed ordering opportunities. TimeWorks handles stock management as a core function, not an afterthought, which is a meaningful operational difference.
MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE

See TimeWorks in Action

Book a free demo with our team. We will walk you through the features relevant to your business, answer your comparison questions honestly, and provide a no-obligation quote with full cost of ownership figures.

Book a Free Demo Call 0861 736 767