Smart Ways to Support Your Family in the DRC

More Than Just Money

Many people in South Africa work hard to support their families in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially when it comes to essentials like school fees, rent, medical care, or business support. While sending money home is a powerful way to help, real support goes beyond the transaction.

It's not just about what you send, but how you send it. Whether it's timing your transfer for a school term, helping your loved ones use their mobile wallet safely, or ensuring your support arrives securely, smart decisions can make every franc go further.

At Mama Money, we're here to help you care smarter. From fast, affordable transfers to trusted partners like M-PESA and Airtel Money, we make it easy to send money safely to the DRC. And with the Mama Money Card, you can get paid, shop, or withdraw cash, giving you full control over your finances in South Africa, too.

Need to send money securely to the DRC? Send money to the DRC with Mama Money.

Support What Matters Most: School, Rent, and Medical Care

When you're supporting loved ones back home, it's not just about sending money—it's about sending it for the things that matter most.

School Fees

Education is a top priority for many families. With school terms set throughout the year, making timely transfers ensures your children or siblings stay enrolled, get their materials, and never miss a class due to unpaid fees.

Rent and Housing

Missing a rent payment can cause major stress. Sending money in time for monthly rent or construction support helps keep a roof over your family's heads and avoids late penalties or disruptions.

Healthcare

Medical needs can't wait. Whether it's for medication, doctor visits, or hospital emergencies, fast access to money can make all the difference. That's why reliable and secure transfers are so important.

With Mama Money, you can send up to R25,000 per order—and even upgrade to R50,000 per transfer and R100,000 per month if your family's needs are bigger. It's a flexible, affordable way to take care of real responsibilities back home.

Sending more than usual? Here's how to save when sending large amounts to the DRC.

Time It Right: Plan Transfers Around Key Dates

Timing your support can make a big difference. Planning your transfers around key life events helps your family in the DRC use the money when it matters most.

Here are a few moments to keep in mind:

School Terms – Send money before the start of a new term to cover fees, uniforms, and supplies.

Religious Holidays – Big celebrations like Christmas, Tabaski, or Easter often come with extra costs. Sending ahead of time helps your family prepare and enjoy the moment.

Rent Deadlines or Harvest Season – Whether it's rent due at month-end or support needed for farming costs, knowing these dates helps avoid last-minute stress.

With Mama Money's fast mobile wallet delivery to Airtel Money and Vodacom M-PESA, your transfer arrives within minutes, so even if something comes up urgently, your loved ones won't have to wait.

Know Before You Send: Check Rates in the App

Before sending money to the DRC, take a moment to check the current exchange rate in the Mama Money app. It only takes a few seconds, and it can make a real difference.

Even a small change in the exchange rate affects how much your loved ones receive. For example, sending R1,000 when the rate is slightly higher means more francs reach your family, without you spending more.

Mama Money keeps it simple and transparent. The rate you see is the exact amount your recipient will get. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Tip: Make checking the rate a habit, especially before larger transfers or during important times like school fees or rent payments.

Help Recipients Use Mobile Wallets Effectively

Many people in the DRC now receive money through mobile wallets like Airtel Money or Vodacom M-PESA—and it's changing the way families access and manage money.

Here's how you can help your loved ones make the most of it:

  • Find a Local Agent or ATM: Most towns and rural areas have nearby Airtel or M-PESA agents. Recipients can also withdraw funds from participating ATMs, depending on the service.
  • Use Wallets for Everyday Payments: Instead of withdrawing all the money, encourage them to use their mobile wallet to buy airtime, pay bills, or shop where digital payments are accepted. It's safer and more convenient.
  • Stay Safe and Secure: Remind recipients to keep their phone number and wallet PIN private and never share them with anyone, even someone claiming to be from customer service.

With mobile wallets, your family can avoid queues, skip bank delays, and access funds when it suits them best, whether it's during the day or after hours.

Digital Literacy = Empowerment

Sending money is just the beginning—helping your loved ones in the DRC use mobile wallets confidently can make a lasting difference.

Encourage family members to:

  • Check balances regularly so they always know what they have available.
  • Learn how to download mini-statements to track spending and plan ahead.
  • Understand how to spot scams, such as fake prize offers or suspicious calls asking for personal information.

Mobile wallets like Airtel Money and M-PESA don't just help recipients receive money—they empower them to manage it smartly, safely, and independently. A little digital know-how can go a long way in improving financial confidence and control.

Upgrade to Support More

If you need to send more than usual—like for school fees, housing, or medical care—Mama Money makes it easy to upgrade your account for higher limits.

Here's what you can send:

  • Basic account: Up to R25,000 per transfer and R25,000 per month
  • Upgraded account: Up to R50,000 per transfer and R100,000 per month

Upgrading is simple:

  1. Open the Mama Money app
  2. Tap on "Increase Limits"
  3. Follow the easy steps to upload your documents

In just a few taps, you'll be ready to send larger amounts—safely and securely, whenever your family needs you most.

Safety Tips for Large Transfers

When sending large amounts to loved ones in the DRC, a few simple precautions can help ensure a smooth, secure experience:

  • Double-check the wallet number before confirming the transfer—this avoids delays or misdirected funds.
  • Talk to your recipient ahead of time to plan how and when they'll collect or use the money. It's helpful to know whether they'll withdraw cash, pay bills, or use the wallet for purchases.
  • Send earlier in the day to avoid peak-hour processing times and ensure the funds are received quickly.

With Mama Money, your transfer is handled on a secure, regulated platform, and both you and your recipient get SMS confirmations once the money has been sent and received.

Whether it's R2,000 or R25,000, you can trust Mama Money to deliver—fast, safely, and with peace of mind.

Support That Goes Further

Supporting your family in the DRC isn't just about how much you send—it's about how thoughtfully you do it. Whether you're helping with school fees, healthcare, or everyday needs, planning your transfers and empowering your loved ones with digital tools like mobile wallets makes every franc count.

With Mama Money, you get more than a transfer service. You get a partner that helps you:

Plan smart with real-time rates and reminders

Send safely to trusted mobile wallets like Airtel Money and M-PESA

Empower your loved ones with secure, digital financial access

Ready to do more for your loved ones in the DRC?

Send money to the DRC or download the Mama Money app to get started today.

Need Help? Mama is Here

To learn more about how to send money from South Africa, follow Mama Money and discover all about our international money transfer services via:

  1. Facebook
  2. Instagram
  3. Twitter
  4. LinkedIn

If you have any questions not covered above, please get in touch with Mama via WhatsApp:

  1. Customer Support:  https://wa.me/+27648028428
  2. Mama Money Send: (+27) 60 091 5591
  3. Mama Money Card: (+27) 60 091 5591

Chat on WhatsApp