The diligent disruptor
Growth at the leading edge is our jam but so is being responsible and sustainable in our conduct. This is why we can innovate rapidly on the technology front while maintaining unrivalled credibility in our product. No comprises!
Our Story
Wonga South Africa separated from the UK-based Wonga Group in late 2019 after a localised management buyout led by the South African executive team.
With invested leadership and an unwavering commitment to responsible lending and financial inclusion; we leverage cutting-edge technology to offer fast, transparent and flexible financial products that meet the diverse needs of our customers.
2011
Wonga SA Launches
2012
Wonga launches the first fully automated loan application process
2017
Legacy systems replaced with Micro-Services Architecture
2018
Wonga South Africa launches installment loan feature
2018
Wonga UK placed under administration, linked to regulatory changes in the UK
2019
Wonga South Africa bought out by local investors, rebrands to Wonga Online
2021
Wonga Online secures local institutional funding for accelerated growth
2022
Wonga Online launches first insurance product
2023
Wonga Online migrates to cloud-native lending platform
Our Core Capabilities
We believe in doing a few things really well. After all, mastery is the product of focus! That is why we have streamlined our business to centre around three domains or Core Capabilities. We’d even go as far as to say these are our superpowers.
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Technology
Data
Digital Marketing
When it comes to our customers, we connect with them through data-driven personalised messaging.
Our approach is unique and cutting edge in that we will never send unsolicited marketing emails, calls or messages.
We are champions at Search and have built long-standing partnerships with trusted affiliates.
Our leadership team
Fuelled by their commitment to unlock the immense untapped potential of the business – Brett, Jody and Michael form the turbo-charged trifecta that has skilfully led Wonga through many a peak and trough.
All three are financially invested in the business, providing peace of mind that decisions are made with a long-term view. In addition, they have a strong focus on our people, which keeps our team inspired and the culture strong.
Though there collective years of service are many, they’re just getting started.
Brett van Aswegen
Chief Executive Officer
Brett van Aswegen
Chief Executive Officer
With more than two decades’ experience in the African retail credit and financial services industries, Brett has been at the helm of Wonga since 2015. He was instrumental in the management buyout of the business from the Wonga Group, and lead its transformation into the innovative short-term lender it is today.
Favourite value: Engage with intent
Superpower: Holistic leadership at its finest, with a nose for marketing, a passion for people and an unrivalled level of empathy and care for the people of Wonga.
Jody Baumgarten
Chief Financial Officer
Jody Baumgarten
Chief Financial Officer
With an extensive background in finance and treasury, Jody has been part of the business since its inception in South Africa in 2011. Making a positive impact on the financial landscape is what makes him tick.
Favourite value: Do what you say you’ll do
Superpower: Jody has 8 arms and legs, 12 computer screens, 3 brains, and can solve all the problems at once… on 2 hours’ sleep a night, while on his mountain bike.
Michael Lazarus
Chief Technology Officer
Michael Lazarus
Chief Technology Officer
Michael comes from a technology infrastructure background and has worked in fintech for more than 10 years. He’s responsible for the evolution, development and delivery of our core platforms and architecture.
Favourite value: Make it better
Superpower: Making ordinary situations awkward, and making awkward situations funny with his unique sense of humour. Michael is always looking for ways to improve our systems and processes.
James Williams
Chief Marketing Officer
Chief Marketing Officer
James is a seasoned marketer with over fifteen years spent in fintech across the UK and South Africa with a background in digital marketing and technology. He oversees brand, customer experience and performance marketing.
Favourite value: Be in the Mess Together
Superpower: Knowing what makes people tick and getting them to row together. James can predict the outcome of every football match – getting them right at least half the time!
Our awards and recognition
We leverage the power of financial technologies to offer our customer the means to own their possibilities. Our work across technology, leadership, and customer experience has been widely recognised.
We bagged the FinTech Award at the 2025 Sentech Africa Tech Week, which recognised us as a FinTech trailblazer.
Our Chief Technology Officer, Michael Lazarus, was nominated for CXO of the Year at Africa Tech Festival 2025.
We were awarded the bronze award for Best CX Solution at VUKA Group‘s 2025 CEM Africa Awards.