The book that fed a nation
Long before credit scores and smartphones, there was the "buka" — a book of trust. A name written. A promise to pay at month-end.
What is "buka"?
In Setswana, "buka" means book. Across South Africa's townships and villages, when a customer owed the local shop, their name lived "bukeng" — inside the book.
Shopkeepers would write down what customers took: maize meal, bread, cooking oil. No forms. No algorithms. Just a handshake and a promise. At month-end, customers would return and settle their balance. That system kept families alive for generations.
Our values
- Food is essential
- Dignity first
- No hidden fees
- Data for inclusion
- Proudly South African
Our mission
Access to food should not depend on whether cash happens to be in your pocket today.
Not just another BNPL
We're built differently — for South Africans, by South Africans.
Food-first BNPL
Every other BNPL focuses on fashion and electronics. Bukeng is built exclusively for food — your largest and most important expense.
No credit record needed
We use your bank transaction data. Millions of South Africans have income but no credit record — we serve everyone.
0% interest
No interest. No compounding. No debt spirals. Just 3 simple payments over 3 months.
60-second approval
Scan your SA ID, take a selfie, and connect your bank account. No paperwork. No waiting in line.
Proudly South African
100% black-owned, Level 1 B-BBEE. Built by people who grew up with the buka system.
Safe & Secure
256-bit SSL encryption. POPIA compliant. Your data stays on South African servers.
From hungry to happy in minutes
No paperwork. No waiting. No stress. Just food when you need it.
Download the app
Get Bukeng from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Free. No hidden fees.
Verify your ID
Scan your SA ID and take a selfie. FICA compliant. Takes 60 seconds. No credit record needed.
Shop and scan
At checkout, scan the store's QR code with the Bukeng app. Instant approval. Get your food.
Pay in 3
Pay in 3 equal instalments over 3 months. 0% interest. Clear, simple, predictable.