UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 5, 2020 (August 5, 2020)

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida

000-31203

98-0171860

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

President Place, 4th Floor, Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road
Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: +27-11-343-2000

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[   ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[   ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share

UEPS

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company [   ]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [   ]


Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Resignation of Herman G. Kotzé as Chief Executive Officer and Director

On August 5, 2020, Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") announced that Herman G. Kotzé will resign from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of the Company's board of directors, effective as September 30, 2020. Alex M.R. Smith, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will serve as interim Chief Executive Officer upon Mr. Kotzé's departure, until the board of directors finalizes the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

On August 5, 2020, the Company issued a press release announcing Mr. Kotzé's resignation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

On August 5, 2020, the Company and Mr. Kotzé entered into a Separation and Release of Claims Agreement (the "Separation Agreement"). The Separation Agreement provides for certain payments and other benefits to Mr. Kotzé, including without limitation, the following: (a) a severance payment of two months' salary, less applicable withholdings and deductions; and (b) the vesting of 50,000 and 66,800 shares of time-based restricted stock granted to Mr. Kotzé in August 2017 and February 2020, respectively (the 50,000 shares will vest in accordance with their terms prior to his departure). In addition, the Separation Agreement includes a general release and waiver of claims by Mr. Kotzé related to Mr. Kotzé's employment with the Company.

On August 5, 2020, as contemplated by the Separation Agreement, the Company and Mr. Kotzé entered into a Consulting Agreement (the "Kotzé Consulting Agreement"). Under the Kotzé Consulting Agreement, Mr. Kotzé will provide consulting services to the Company as an independent contractor as requested by the Company for a period of up to six months following the lapse of the two-month post-notice period after his departure (i.e., December 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021). The Company will pay Mr. Kotzé US$30,000 per month for such services.

The foregoing descriptions of the Separation Agreement (including the Kotzé Consulting Agreement) is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of such agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

Consulting Agreement with Ali Mazanderani

On August 5, 2020, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Ali Mazanderani (the "Mazanderani Consulting Agreement") pursuant to which Mr. Mazanderani will, among other things, consult with the board of directors and the Chief Executive Officer for a period of two years on matters regarding the Company's strategy. Mr. Mazanderani has extensive experience in global fintech businesses, including in several of the Company's principal geographies and product lines.

Pursuant to the terms of the Mazanderani Consulting Agreement Mr. Mazanderani will (a) receive US$200,000 per year (the "Consulting Fee"), (b) be eligible for a short-term incentive bonus of up to 100% of the Consulting Fee, subject to the achievement of certain pre-determined performance targets and (c) be granted an option to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share, pursuant to the Company's Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.

The foregoing description of the Mazanderani Consulting Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of such agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On August 5, 2020, the Company issued a press release announcing the resignation of Mr. Kotzé as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company's board of directors as described in Item 5.02 above. A copy of the Company's press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits

Exhibit No.

Description

   

10.1

Separation and Release of Claims Agreement, dated August 5, 2020, by and between the Company and Herman G. Kotzé

   

10.2

Consulting Agreement, dated August 5, 2020, by and between the Company and Ali Mazanderani

   

99.1

Press Release, dated August 5, 2020, issued by the Company



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

   
   

Date: August 5, 2020

By: /s/ Alex M.R. Smith

Name: Alex M.R. Smith

Title: Chief Financial Officer




Exhibit 10.1

SEPARATION AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS AGREEMENT

This Separation and Release of Claims Agreement ("Agreement") dated August 5, 2020 is entered into by and between Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., a Florida corporation ("Company"), and Herman G. Kotzé ("Executive"), effective as of August 5, 2020 (the "Effective Date"), with respect to Executive's separation from the Company.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company as Chief Executive Officer and is a member of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board");

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive agree that Executive's last day of employment with the Company is expected to be September 30, 2020, subject to the terms of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to resolve any and all disputes that they may have against each other arising out of or in any way related to Executive's employment with the Company or separation therefrom.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:

1. Separation from Employment; Resignation from Board.

(a) Executive's employment with the Company will end on September 30, 2020, unless earlier terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined herein) or if mutually agreed by Executive and the Company (the "Separation Date"). The Company shall pay Executive his salary earned through September 30, 2020 irrespective of the Separation Date, unless Executive's employment is earlier terminated for Cause, in which case he shall be paid through the Separation Date.  The salary paid to Executive under this Section shall be payable at such times and in such manner consistent with past practice, and such salary shall not be reduced during the period between the Effective Date and September 30, 2020 or the Separation Date, as applicable.  In addition, the Company shall pay Executive all accrued, unused paid time off in accordance with the Company's standard practice.  For purposes of this Agreement, Cause is defined as:  (A) a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that Executive engaged in an act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or misappropriation of the funds of the Company, or Executive's plea of guilty or nolo contendere or conviction of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, fraud, embezzlement, or theft; or (B) Executive's engagement in illegal conduct or misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

(b) Except with respect to Finbond, Executive hereby resigns from the Company's Board of Directors and from all officer positions of the Company and all of its subsidiaries and any other companies in which the Company owns an equity interest, effective as of the Separation Date, unless otherwise agreed to in writing between Executive and the Company, with no further action required by either Executive or the Board to make such resignation effective.  Nothing in this Agreement requires Executive to resign from the Board of Directors of Finbond and Executive is not hereby resigning therefrom.


2. Severance Payment.  In consideration of, and conditional upon, Executive signing this Agreement and agreeing to comply with the terms and conditions herein, the Company agrees to pay Executive the following amounts, and provided that Executive has not been terminated for Cause prior to the Separation Date and executes the Supplemental Release attached hereto as Exhibit A within 5 days of the Separation Date:

(a) the Company will (i) pay (or cause another Company Party (as defined below) to pay) to Executive (or to his estate, if applicable), salary continuation from October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020 based on the Company's regular payroll period(s), less applicable withholdings and deductions; and

(b) the Company will cause (i) the 50,000 outstanding and unvested time-based restricted stock awards granted to Executive on August 23, 2017 and (ii) the 66,800 outstanding and unvested time-based stock awards granted to Executive on February 21, 2020 to become fully vested as of the Separation Date.  All other outstanding equity awards issued by the Company to the Executive, including performance-based restricted stock awards, will be forfeited and of no further force or effect as of the Separation Date. 

3. Consulting Agreement.  The Company and Executive agree to enter into the consulting agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Consulting Agreement").

4. Release by Executive.  Executive hereby releases the Company Parties (as defined below) from all (if any) claims whether contractual, statutory or otherwise and which Executive has or may have against the Company, its subsidiaries, parent companies, predecessors, successors, and affiliates, and all of their respective past and present officers, directors, stockholders, partners, members, employees, agents, representatives, plan administrators, attorneys, insurers and fiduciaries (each in their individual and corporate capacities) (collectively, the "Company Parties") arising out of or in connection with Executive's employment or its termination, or as a consequence of Executive's position as a director of the Company or its termination and including for the avoidance of doubt all claims (if any) arising out of or in connection with any equity entitlements, but excluding:

(i) any claims in respect of accrued pension rights;

(ii) any claims arising based on the Company's breach or failure to comply with its obligations under this Agreement;

(iii) any rights Executive has under applicable workers compensation laws;

(iv) any claims under any directors and officers liability insurance policy maintained by the Company for the benefit of officers and directors; and

(v) any indemnification rights or protections that are generally applicable to former employees, consultants, directors or officers of the Company under state or other law or the charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws of the Company.


5. Release by Company.  In consideration for the general release by Executive, the Company, on behalf of the Company Parties, hereby fully, forever, unconditionally and irrevocably releases and discharges Executive and each of Executive's affiliates, spouse, successors, executors, administrators, agents, heirs and assigns (together with Executive, the "Executive Parties") from all claims, demands, causes of action, liabilities, charges, complaints, actions, suits, rights, debts, sums of money, costs, accounts, reckonings, covenants, contracts, agreements, promises, doings, omissions, damages, executions, obligations, and expenses (including attorneys' fees and costs), of every kind and nature, in law, equity or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, that any of the Company Parties ever had or now have against any or all of the Executive Parties, however originating or existing, from the beginning of time through the Effective Date, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or relating to the relationship between Executive and the Company, the services performed by Executive for the Company, Executive's cessation of services to the Company, or otherwise.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the claims released in this Section 5 (the "Company Released Claims") do not include, and nothing contained herein shall operate to release any of Executive's promises and obligations under this Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto) or with respect to any fraud or gross negligence of Executive in the performance of his duties.  The Company hereby covenants, promises and agrees not to, and agrees to cause each of the other Company Parties not to, bring any action or claim, legal, equitable or otherwise, asserting or relating to any Company Released Claims (i) in any court of any jurisdiction or in any agency or other unit of any governmental authority, local, state, national or foreign, (ii) with any arbitral body, forum or arbitration tribunal, or (iii) in any mediation proceeding, against any of the Executive Parties; provided, however, that the foregoing covenant not to sue shall not apply to or prohibit enforcement of the terms of this Agreement.

6. Restrictive Covenants and other Acknowledgements.

6.1 Covenant not to Disclose.

During and after Executive's employment with the Company, Executive will not use, disclose, or reveal to any third party any Confidential Information (defined below) except when acting in good faith within the scope of Executive's duties, with prior written authorization from the Board, or in exercising a legal right to communicate with a government agency.  Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to limit Executive's non-disclosure obligations under any applicable rule, statute, regulation or other Company policy.

As used in this Agreement, the term "Confidential Information" means all information belonging to, or otherwise relating to the business of the Company, which is not generally known, regardless of the manner in which it is stored or conveyed to Executive.  Confidential Information includes the Company's trade secrets, formulae and processes, as well as other proprietary knowledge, information, know-how and non-public intellectual property rights.  Confidential Information also includes the Company's product specifications, ideas, conceptions and compilations of data, whether or not patentable or copyrightable and whether or not conceived, originated, discovered or developed in whole or in part by Executive.  For example, Confidential Information includes, without limitation, information concerning the Company's software and code, encryption, algorithms, business plans, operations, products, financial and business strategies, marketing, sales, inventions, designs, costs, legal strategies, finances, employees, current and prospective customers, licensees or licensors; information received from third parties (such as consultants, co-venturers, etc.) under confidential conditions; and other valuable financial, commercial, business, technical or marketing information concerning the Company or any of the products or services made, developed or sold by the Company.  Confidential Information does not include information that:  (A) was generally known to the relevant public or industry at the time of disclosure; (B) was lawfully received by Executive from a third party; or (C) was known to Executive prior to receipt from the Company; provided that, in each case, such exceptions apply only if such public knowledge or possession by an independent third party was without breach by Executive or any third party of any obligation of confidentiality or non-use, including but not limited to the obligations and restrictions set forth in this Agreement.


Upon termination of Executive's employment with the Company for any reason, Executive will, within three (3) days, return all Company property, including, without limitation, any documents, physical and electronic files, customer lists, notes, records, technical reports, procedures or specifications, market research reports, correspondence, plans, research, notebooks, drawings, employee lists, and Executive shall retain no copies thereof.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the terms of this Section are not intended to and shall not be interpreted so as to prohibit Executive from (i) utilizing Company property and Confidential Information for purposes of performing his duties under the Consulting Agreement, following the termination of which, Executive shall return any remaining Company property in his possession, and/or (ii) disclosing Confidential Information as may be required by any demand, order, law, rule or regulation of any court, governmental  agency or regulatory authority; provided, that if any such disclosure is required, Executive will use reasonable best efforts to cooperate with the Company to preserve the confidential nature of the Confidential Information in question.

6.2 Covenant not to Compete, Etc.

Each of the parties to this Agreement agree that the terms and conditions in the Restraint of Trade Agreement dated as of November 7, 2003, by and among Newshelf 713 (Proprietary) Limited ("Newshelf"), Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. and Executive, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C (the "Restraint of Trade Agreement") shall continue to apply and be in force following the Separation Date through May 31, 2021 (the "ROTA Termination Date"). pursuant to the terms of such agreement; on and after the ROTA Termination Date, the Restraint of Trade Agreement is hereby deemed null and void and of no further force or effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees that Executive may participate or otherwise be involved, as an investor or otherwise, in an acquisition from the Company of any one or more of the businesses identified on Exhibit D (the "Ceevo Group") or any other business venture involving the Ceevo Group and the operation thereafter, and that to the extent that such participation or involvement would contravene the Restraint of Trade Agreement while in effect, the Company Parties hereby waive compliance therewith. Without limiting the generality of the forgoing,  any waiver granted under this Section 6.2 and/or waiver of the Restraint of Trade Agreement as provided in this Section 6.2 (collectively, the "ROTA Waiver") is hereby also deemed a waiver of Section 6.1  and Section 7 of this Agreement to the extent such sections may apply with respect to the Ceevo Group.  Furthermore, the Company hereby agrees that Executive's ongoing directorship with Finbond does not constitute a breach of the Restraint of Trade Agreement nor of any other provision of this Agreement, the applicability of which to such directorship is hereby waived by the Company.


6.3 Company Policies and Securities Laws

Executive acknowledges that he remains subject to the Company's existing insider trading policy following the Separation Date.  In addition, Executive acknowledges that he must comply with all laws with respect to the securities of the Company following the Separation Date.

6.4 Remedies for Breach.  In the event of Executive's actual or threatened breach of the provisions of this Agreement (including but not limited to a breach of the Restraint of Trade Agreement), the Company, in addition to all other rights, shall be entitled to a temporary and permanent injunction from a court restraining Executive from breaching this Agreement and shall be entitled to terminate all payments under this Agreement without notice upon a finding of breach of Executive by a court of competent jurisdiction.

7. Rights in Developments.

(a) Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Inventions (defined below) which Executive has made, conceives, reduces to practice or developed (in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others) at any time during Executive's employment with the Company whether prior to or during the term of this Agreement (up to the Separation Date) shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company.  Unless the Company decides otherwise, the Company shall be the sole owner of all rights in connection therewith.  All patented, patent-pending and copyright-protected Inventions are and at all times shall remain "work made for hire." Executive hereby assigns to the Company any and all of Executive's rights to any Inventions, absolutely and forever, throughout the world and for the full term of each and every such right, including renewal or extension of any such term, provided that this Agreement does not apply to an Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on Executive's own time, unless (i) the Invention relates directly to the Restricted Business; or (ii) the Invention results from any work performed by Executive for the Company.  The term "Inventions" means any works of authorship, discoveries, formulae, encryption, processes, improvements, inventions, designs, drawings, specifications, notes, graphics, source and other code, trade secrets, technologies, algorithms, computer programs, audio, video or other files or content, ideas, designs, processes, techniques, transaction authentication, payments processing, know-how and data, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, made, conceived, reduced to practice or developed by Executive, either alone or jointly with others, during Executive's employment.

(b) Executive agrees to perform all acts deemed necessary or desirable by the Company to permit and assist the Company, at the Company's expense, in evidencing, perfecting, obtaining, maintaining, defending and enforcing the Company's rights and/or Executive's assignment with respect to such Inventions in any and all countries.  Such acts may include, without limitation, execution of documents and assistance or cooperation in legal proceedings.


(c) Executive agrees to assist the Company in obtaining patents or copyrights on any Inventions assigned to the Company that the Company, in its sole discretion, seeks to patent or copyright.  Executive also agrees to sign all documents, and do all things necessary to obtain such patents or copyrights, to further assign them to the Company and to protect the Company against infringement by other parties.  Executive agrees that while employed by the Company or while providing Services (as defined in the Consulting Agreement), such actions will be without additional compensation, but at no expense to Executive.

(d) All information and records regarding all Inventions, and all copies thereof, shall be the property of the Company as to any Inventions within the meaning of this Agreement.  Such records should be considered proprietary information of the Company and are subject to the provisions of this Agreement.  In addition, Executive agrees to promptly surrender all such records and information, and all copies thereof, at the request of the Company, or within three (3) days after termination of Executive's employment.

8. Indemnification.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or should be construed to contradict, modify, diminish or alter any rights of Executive to indemnification under the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the Company or applicable state law, any rights of Executive under any insurance policy of the Company, or any rights of Executive to enforce the terms of this Agreement. For a period of six (6) years after the Effective Date, the Company shall not amend, repeal or modify any provision in the Company's articles of incorporation or bylaws relating to the exculpation or indemnification of any current or former officer or director (unless required by law) that would be considered adverse to the Executive, it being the intent of the parties that the officers and directors of the Company shall continue to be entitled to such exculpation and indemnification to the fullest extent of the law. The Company shall maintain its existing officers' and directors' liability insurance, or other liability insurance held by the Company that covers events occurring prior to the Effective Date, on terms and in amounts no less favorable to its officers and directors than its existing officers' and director's liability insurance for a period of six (6) years after Effective Date. If the Company or any of its successors or assigns (a) shall consolidate with or merge into any other person or entity and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (b) shall transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person or entity, then, and in each such case, proper provisions shall be made so that the successors and assigns of the Company shall assume all of the obligations set forth in this paragraph. The provisions of this Section are intended for the benefit of, and will be enforceable by, Executive and Executive's heirs and representatives, and are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that Executive may have had by contract or otherwise.

9. Publicity; Non-disparagement

(a) Neither party will issue, absent prior written consent of the other party, any press release or make any public announcement with respect to this Agreement or the employment or consulting relationship between them, or the ending of such relationship (except as required by applicable securities laws or exchange requirements). 

(b) To the extent permitted by law, from and after the Effective Date, Executive shall not, in public or private, make any false, disparaging, derogatory or defamatory statements to any person or entity, including, but not limited to, any media outlet, industry group, financial institution or current or former employee, current or future board member, consultant, client or customer of the Company, regarding the Company or the Company's business affairs, business prospects, or financial condition.  In turn, and to the extent permitted by law, from and after the Effective Date, the Company shall not, and shall cause its senior management team, Board members and other Company Parties not to, in public or private, make any false, disparaging, derogatory or defamatory statements about Executive to any person or entity, including, but not limited to, any media outlet, industry group, financial institution or current or former employee, board member, consultant, client or customer of the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall not be a breach of this provision, or of this Agreement, for any person to provide testimony or make any statement (i) to any court, government agency or law enforcement authority when required to do so by subpoena, court order, law or administrative regulation, (ii) to any securities regulator or stock exchange or market when required to do so by subpoena, court order, law or administrative regulation, if in either of the foregoing cases, he or she reasonably believes such testimony or statement to be truthful, even if disparaging or derogatory; or (iii) as reasonably necessary in any legal action to enforce the terms of this Agreement.


10. General Provisions.

(a) Successors and Assigns.  The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company.  Executive shall not be entitled to assign any of his rights or obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Waiver.  Either party's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision, or prevent that party thereafter from enforcing each and every other provision of this Agreement.

(c) Modification; Severability.  In the event any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that the parties shall receive the benefit contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law.  If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

(d) Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.  Each party consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the state or federal courts in the State of New York, as applicable, in any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

(e) Notices.  All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing signed by or on behalf of the party making the same and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person, or by email with receipt confirmed  addressed to the other party as set forth on the signature pages hereof.  Either party may change the designated person or address to which notices are to be sent by giving written notice to the other party in the manner set forth herein.


(f) Third Party Beneficiaries.  The Executive Parties and the Company Parties are express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement and the rights and remedies conferred hereunder.  Except for the Executive Parties and the Company Parties, nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer benefits, rights or remedies unto any person or entity other than the parties and their permitted successors and assigns.

(g) Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile or electronic mail, and each counterpart and facsimile or electronic transmission shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned. For all purposes, a facsimile copy or electronic copy of this Agreement, including the signature pages hereto, shall be deemed an original.

(h) Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including all exhibits attached to this Agreement, which are incorporated herein by this reference) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to this subject matter and supersedes all prior or simultaneous representations, discussions, negotiations, and agreements, whether written or oral; provided, however, that this provision is not intended to abrogate any other written agreement between the parties executed with or after this Agreement.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only with the written consent of the Company and Executive.

11. Legal Fees.  Company shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable legal fees up to $20,000 incurred in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement and the ancillary agreements.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN.  WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW TO BE EFFECTIVE AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Dated:  __August 5, 2020__________

By:___/s/ Alex Smith______________

Name: Alexander M.R. Smith

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Notice Address:  alex.smith@net1.com

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

President Place, 4th floor

Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road

Rosebank, Johannesburg

South Africa

Attention: Alex Smith / Simone Joynt

 

 

Dated:_______August 5, 2020__________

_______/s/ Herman G. Kotzé ______

Herman G. Kotzé

Notice Address: xxx

xxx

Attention: Herman Kotzé



EXHIBIT A

SUPPLEMENTAL RELEASE

To be executed following the Separation Date

 As a material inducement to Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (the "Company"), to provide me with the monetary and non-monetary benefits set forth in the separation agreement and release, entered into by and between me and the Company, dated as of [___, 2020], to which this Supplemental Release is attached as Exhibit A (the "Agreement"), I, Herman G. Kotze , individually and on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, knowingly and voluntarily hereby release and forever discharge the Company Parties (as defined in the Agreement) from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorney fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, whether arising from or relating to my employment with the Company and the termination of that employment, or any other matter of basis.

 Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Supplemental Release includes, but is not limited to, (i) any rights or claims arising under any federal, state, or local constitution, statute, ordinance, or regulation, (ii) any rights or claims under any plan, program, policy, agreement, contract, understanding or promise, express or implied, written or oral, formal or informal, between the Company or any of the Company Parties and myself; (iii) any claim for unpaid compensation, wages, bonus or incentive compensation, profits, commission, equity, securities, benefits, vacation, severance pay, and/or other fringe benefit of the Company or any of the other Company Parties; (iv) any rights or claims under any common law theory, including for alleged tortious, negligent, defamatory and/or fraudulent conduct; and (v) any claim for equitable relief or recover of punitive, compensator, or other damages or monies, including attorney's fees or costs.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, I acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Supplemental Release will serve to waive or impair (i) any claims or rights that, pursuant to law, cannot be legally waived or subject to a release of this kind.

Dated:  _____________________________

________________________________

Herman G. Kotzé

Notice Address: xxx

xxx

Attention: Herman Kotzé



EXHIBIT B

CONSULTING AGREEMENT


CONSULTING AGREEMENT 

This Consulting Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., a Florida corporation ("Company"), and Herman Kotzé ("Consultant") effective as December 1, 2020 (the "Effective Date").

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to engage Consultant on a consulting basis for a limited period of time.

1. Retention of Services.  Effective December 1, 2020, the Company shall retain Consultant, and Consultant agrees to be retained by the Company on a consulting basis to consult with the Company on such matters as the Company may reasonably request from time to time (the "Services") for a period of six months until May 31, 2021 ("Consulting Period") unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 1(h) hereof.  Consultant shall report to the Chairman of the Board of Directors or his designee.  For purposes of clarity, Consultant shall act in an advisory role only and shall not be authorized to act on behalf of the Company or otherwise direct the business of the Company without the approval of the Chairman or his designee.  The Consulting Period may only be extended by written mutual agreement of the parties.

(a) Consulting Fees.  During the Consulting Period, Consultant shall receive a consulting fee in the amount of $30,000 per month, plus any applicable value-added tax (VAT), prorated for a partial month ("Consulting Fee").  The Consulting Fee shall be payable monthly in arrears by the Company on the last business day of the month following the month in which the Services were rendered.  Upon the termination of this Agreement, Consultant shall be entitled to receive all unpaid Consulting Fees accrued up to the date of termination.

(b) Independent Contractor Relationship.  During the Consulting Period, Consultant's relationship with the Company will be that of an independent contractor, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or should be construed to, create a partnership, agency, joint venture or employment relationship.  Consultant will not be entitled to any of the benefits that the Company may make available to its employees, including, but not limited to, group health, life insurance, profit-sharing or retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays or sick leave.  Consultant will be solely responsible for obtaining any business or similar licenses required by any governmental authority for him to perform the Services.  Consultant will be solely responsible for, and will file on a timely basis, all tax returns and payments required to be filed with, or made to, any tax authority with respect to the Services and receipt of compensation under this Agreement.

This Agreement constitutes a contract for the provision of services and not a contract of employment.  As such, the Consultant shall bear exclusive responsibility for the payment of any National Insurance, income tax and any other form of taxation or social security cost ("Taxation") in respect of payments made to him under this Agreement including the payment of Taxation.  Consultant shall indemnify the Company against any liability, loss, damage, cost, claim or expense for the employee portion of any such loss that the Company suffers or incurs as a result of any claims against the Company arising out of the Consultant being found to be an employee of the Company (including, without limitation, any claims against the Company for any Taxation and other contributions required by law to be paid by employees in respect of any Consulting Fees made to the Consultant under this Agreement).


Without prejudice to the indemnity in this Section 1(b), if, for any reason, the Company shall become liable to pay, or shall pay, any Taxation or other payments as referred to in this Section 1(b), the Company shall be entitled to deduct from any amounts payable to the Consultant all amounts so paid or required to be paid by the Company and, to the extent that any amount of taxes paid or required to be paid by the Consultant shall exceed the amounts payable by the Company to the Consultant, the Consultant shall indemnify the Company in respect of such liability and shall, upon demand, forthwith reimburse the Company such excess.

(c) Method of Performing Services.  In accordance with the Company's objectives, Consultant will determine the method, details and means of performing the Services within the parameters established by the Company.  The Company shall have no right to, and shall not, control the manner or determine the method of performing the Services.  Consultant shall provide the Services to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company and in compliance with all applicable laws. 

(d) Workplace, Hours and Instrumentalities.  Consultant may perform the Services at any place or location as determined by Consultant.  Consultant shall also determine the days and times for performing the Services; provided, in no event shall Consultant be required to provide Services in excess of 40 hours per month.  Consultant agrees to provide all equipment, supplies and instrumentalities, if any, required to perform the Services.  Consultant shall be reimbursed by the Company for ordinary, necessary and reasonable business expenses, including travel expenses, consistent with the budget approved by the Company and incurred by Consultant in the performance of the Services hereunder; provided such expenses have been (a) documented by Consultant in accordance with the Company's policies and applicable law and (b) all expenses have been specifically approved in advance in writing by an authorized officer of the Company.  In all events, acceptable documentation of expenses must be submitted to the Company no later than sixty (60) days following the date such expenses were incurred, and the Company shall reimburse Consultant within thirty (30) days following receipt of such documented expenses.

(e) Ownership and Return of Company Property.  All materials (including, without limitation, documents, technology, research, reports, drawings, models, apparatus, designs, lists, all other tangible media of expression), equipment, documents, data, and other property furnished to Consultant by the Company or made by Consultant in the performance of the Services under this Agreement (collectively, the "Company Property") are the sole and exclusive property of the Company.  Upon termination of this Agreement and after the Consulting Period, or at any time upon the Company's request, Consultant shall destroy or deliver to the Company, at the Company's option:  (a) all Company Property and (b) all tangible media of expression in Consultant's possession or control which incorporate or contain any Confidential Information (as defined herein).

(f) Observance of Company Rules.  At all times while on the Company's premises, Consultant will observe the Company's rules and regulations with respect to conduct, health and safety and protection of persons and property.


(g) Non-Exclusivity; No Conflict of Interest.  This Agreement is not exclusive for either party; provided that Consultant shall not perform work or accept an obligation inconsistent or incompatible with Consultant's obligations, or the scope of the Services rendered for Company under this Agreement.

(h) Termination.  Notwithstanding the Consulting Period of this Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated as follows:

i. Termination by Company.  Company may terminate this Agreement at any time, with termination effective ninety (90) days after Company's delivery to Consultant of written notice of termination.  In such case, the Company shall pay to Consultant as a termination payment an amount equal to 100% of the Consulting Fees that would have been paid to Consultant from the termination date through the end of the Consulting Period had this Agreement not been terminated (the "Termination Payment").  Such payment, if any, shall be made within fifteen (15) days of the date this Agreement terminates.

ii. Termination by Consultant.  Consultant may terminate this Agreement at any time, with such termination effective ninety (90) days after Consultant's delivery to Company of written notice of termination.  In such case, no further payments under this Agreement shall be made to Consultant by the Company other than Consulting Fees accrued through the termination date and reimbursement for any expenses incurred by Consultant through the termination date.

iii. Termination for Material Breach.  Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time in the event that the other party is in material breach of any material provision of this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within fifteen (15) days following receipt of written notice from the non-breaching party of such breach, with such termination to be effective immediately upon written notice to the breaching party. In such case, no further payments under this Agreement shall be made to Consultant by the Company other than Consulting Fees accrued through the termination date and reimbursement for any expenses incurred by Consultant through the termination date.

2. Indemnification.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or should be construed to contradict, modify, diminish or alter any rights of Consultant to indemnification under the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the Company or applicable state law, any rights of Consultant under any insurance policy of the Company, or any rights of Consultant to enforce the terms of this Agreement.

3. Publicity; Non-disparagement.

(a) Neither party will issue, absent prior written consent of the other party, any press release or make any public announcement with respect to this Agreement or the consulting relationship between them, or the ending of such relationship (except as required by applicable securities laws or exchange requirements).

(b) To the extent permitted by law, from and after the Effective Date, Consultant shall not, in public or private, make any false, disparaging, derogatory or defamatory statements to any person or entity, including, but not limited to, any media outlet, industry group, financial institution or current or former employee, current or future board member, consultant, client or customer of the Company, regarding the Company or the Company's business affairs, business prospects, or financial condition.  In turn, and to the extent permitted by law, from and after the Effective Date, the Company shall not, and shall cause its senior management team, Board members and other Company Parties not to, in public or private, make any false, disparaging, derogatory or defamatory statements about Consultant to any person or entity, including, but not limited to, any media outlet, industry group, financial institution or current or former employee, board member, consultant, client or customer of the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall not be a breach of this provision, or of this Agreement, for any person to provide testimony or make any statement (i) to any court, government agency or law enforcement authority when required to do so by subpoena, court order, law or administrative regulation, (ii) to any securities regulator or stock exchange or market when required to do so by subpoena, court order, law or administrative regulation, if in either of the foregoing cases, he or she reasonably believes such testimony or statement to be truthful, even if disparaging or derogatory; or (iii) as reasonably necessary in any legal action to enforce the terms of this Agreement.


4. General Provisions.

a. Successors and Assigns.  The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company.  Consultant shall not be entitled to assign any of his rights or obligations under this Agreement.

b. Waiver.  Either party's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision, or prevent that party thereafter from enforcing each and every other provision of this Agreement.

c. Modification; Severability.  In the event any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that the parties shall receive the benefit contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law.  If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

d. Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.  Each party consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the state or federal courts in the State of New York, as applicable, in any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

e. Notices.  All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing signed by or on behalf of the party making the same and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person, or  by email with receipt confirmed  addressed to the other party as set forth on the signature pages hereof.  Either party may change the designated person or address to which notices are to be sent by giving written notice to the other party in the manner set forth herein.


f. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile or electronic mail, and each counterpart and facsimile or electronic transmission shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.  For all purposes, a facsimile copy or electronic copy of this Agreement, including the signature pages hereto, shall be deemed an original.

g. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to this subject matter and supersedes all prior or simultaneous representations, discussions, negotiations, and agreements, whether written or oral; provided, however, that this provision is not intended to abrogate any other written agreement between the parties executed with or after this Agreement or the obligations and restrictive covenants set forth in the Separation and Release of Claims Agreement by and among the Company and the Consultant dated August 5, 2020.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only with the written consent of the Company and Consultant.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


NOW, THEREFORE, is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:

THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN.  WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW TO BE EFFECTIVE AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Dated:  __ August 5, 2020______________

__/s/ Alex Smith_______________________

Alexander M.R Smith

Notice Address: alex.smith@net1.com

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

President Place, 4th floor

Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road

Rosebank, Johannesburg

South Africa

Attention: Alexander Smith/Simone Joynt

 

Dated:  __August 5, 2020__________

___/s/ Herman G. Kotzé__________________

Herman Kotzé

Notice Address: xxx

xxx




EXHIBIT C

RESTRAINT OF TRADE AGREEMENT















EXHIBIT D

CEEVO GROUP AND RELATED ENTITIES CHART

 


 








Exhibit 10.2

CONSULTING AGREEMENT 

This Consulting Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., a Florida corporation ("Company"), and Ali Mazanderani ("Consultant") effective as August 5, 2020 (the "Effective Date").

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to engage Consultant on a consulting basis for a limited period of time.

NOW, THEREFORE, is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:

1. Retention of Services.  Effective July 1, 2020, the Company shall retain Consultant, and Consultant agrees to be retained by the Company on a consulting basis to consult with the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") and Chief Executive Officer on matters regarding the Company's strategy for a period of two years until June 30, 2022 ("Consulting Period"), to provide the services set forth on Exhibit A ("Services"), unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 1(h) hereof.  The Consulting Period may only be extended by written mutual agreement of the parties.  The Company's Chairman and the Consultant will met each calendar quarter following the Effective Date to discuss goal setting and review of activities performed. The meeting is required to be minuted.

(a) Consulting Fees.  During the Consulting Period, Consultant shall receive a consulting fee in the amount of $200,000 per year, subject to any applicable value-added tax (VAT), prorated for a partial month (the "Consulting Fee").  The consulting fee shall be payable monthly in arrears by the Company on the last business day of the month following the month in which the Services were rendered.  Upon the termination of this Agreement, Consultant shall be entitled to receive all undisputed and unpaid consulting fees accrued up to the date of termination.

(b) Incentive Payments.  Subject to approval by the Board, the Consultant will be:

i. eligible for a short-term incentive bonus of up to 100% of the Consulting Fee, subject to the achievement of pre-determined performance targets, payable annually.

ii. granted an option to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock, pursuant and subject to the Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Incentive Plan of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (the "Plan") and the Company's standard form of stock option agreement (the "Option"), of which will 50% will be exercisable on the first anniversary of the option grant, and 100% will be exercisable on the second anniversary of the option grant.  The Option will have a life of three years from the grant date. The Option strike price per share will be equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock as of the date of grant or $3.50, whichever is the greater.  The Option will be subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable award agreement.


(c) Independent Contractor Relationship.  During the Consulting Period, Consultant's relationship with the Company will be that of an independent contractor, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or should be construed to, create a partnership, agency, joint venture or employment relationship.  Consultant will not be entitled to any of the benefits that the Company may make available to its employees, including, but not limited to, group health, life insurance, profit-sharing or retirement benefits, paid vacation, holidays or sick leave.  Consultant will be solely responsible for obtaining any business or similar licenses required by any governmental authority for him to perform the Services.  Consultant will be solely responsible for, and will file on a timely basis, all tax returns and payments required to be filed with, or made to, any tax authority with respect to the Services and receipt of compensation under this Agreement.

This Agreement constitutes a contract for the provision of services and not a contract of employment.  As such, the Consultant shall bear exclusive responsibility for the payment of any national insurance, income tax and any other form of taxation or social security cost ("Taxation") in respect of payments made to him under this Agreement including the payment of Taxation.  The Consultant shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Company against any liability, loss, damage, cost, claim or expense the Company suffers or incurs as a result of any claims against the Company for such sums and other claims arising out of the Consultant being found to be an employee of the Company (including, without limitation, any claims against the Company for any Taxation and other contributions required by law to be paid in respect of any payments made to the Consultant under this Agreement).

Without prejudice to the indemnity in this Section 1(b), if, for any reason, the Company shall become liable to pay, or shall pay, any Taxation or other payments as referred to in this Section 1(b), the Company shall be entitled to deduct from any amounts payable to the Consultant all amounts so paid or required to be paid by the Company and, to the extent that any amount of taxes paid or required to be paid by the Consultant shall exceed the amounts payable by the Company to the Consultant, the Consultant shall indemnify the Company in respect of such liability and shall, upon demand, forthwith reimburse the Company such excess.

(d) Method of Performing Services.  In accordance with the Company's objectives, Consultant will determine the method, details and means of performing the Services within the parameters established by the Company.  The Company shall have no right to, and shall not, control the manner or determine the method of performing the Services.  Consultant shall provide the Services to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company and in compliance with all applicable laws. 

(e) Workplace, Hours and Instrumentalities.  Consultant may perform the Services at any place or location.  Consultant shall also determine the days and times for performing the Services; provided, the Consultant agrees to dedicate at least 40 days per year to provide the Services.  Consultant agrees to provide all equipment, supplies and instrumentalities, if any, required to perform the Services.  Consultant shall be reimbursed by the Company for ordinary, necessary and reasonable business expenses, including travel expenses, consistent with the budget approved by the Company and incurred by Consultant in the performance of the Services hereunder; provided (a) such expenses have been  documented by Consultant in accordance with the Company's policies and applicable law and (b) expenses exceeded $2,000 have been specifically approved in advance in writing by an authorized officer of the Company.  In all events, acceptable documentation of expenses must be submitted to the Company no later than sixty (60) days following the date such expenses were incurred, and the Company shall reimburse Consultant within thirty (30) days following receipt of such documented expenses.


(f) Ownership and Return of Company Property.  All materials (including, without limitation, documents, technology, research, reports, drawings, models, apparatus, designs, lists, all other tangible media of expression), equipment, documents, data, and other property furnished to Consultant by the Company or made by Consultant in the performance of the Services under this Agreement (collectively, the "Company Property") are the sole and exclusive property of the Company.  Upon termination of this Agreement and after the Consulting Period, or at any time upon the Company's request, Consultant shall destroy or deliver to the Company, at the Company's option:  (a) all Company Property and (b) all tangible media of expression in Consultant's possession or control which incorporate or contain any Confidential Information (as defined herein).

(g) Non-Exclusivity; No Conflict of Interest.  This Agreement is not exclusive for either party; provided that Consultant shall not perform work or accept an obligation inconsistent or incompatible with Consultant's obligations, or the scope of the Services rendered for Company under this Agreement.

(h) Termination.  Notwithstanding the Consulting Period of this Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated as follows:

i. Termination by Company.  Company may terminate this Agreement at any time, with termination effective sixty (60) days after Company's delivery to Consultant of written notice of termination. 

ii. Termination by Consultant.  Consultant may terminate this Agreement at any time, with such termination effective sixty (60) days after Consultant's delivery to Company of written notice of termination. 

iii. Termination for Material Breach.  Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time in the event that the other party is in material breach of any material provision of this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice from the non-breaching party of such breach, with such termination to be effective immediately upon written notice to the breaching party.

2. Indemnification.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or should be construed to contradict, modify, diminish or alter any rights of Consultant to indemnification under the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the Company or applicable state law, any rights of Consultant under any insurance policy of the Company, or any rights of Consultant to enforce the terms of this Agreement.

3. Confidential Information.  Both during and after the Consulting Period, Consultant agrees to hold the Company's Confidential Information (as defined below) in strict confidence and not to disclose such Confidential Information to any third parties.  Consultant also agrees not to use any of the Company's Confidential Information for any purpose other than performance of Consultant's services hereunder.  "Confidential Information" as used in this Agreement shall mean all information regarding the Company or its business obtained by Consultant that is not generally known in the Company's trade or industry and shall include, without limitation, (a) concepts and ideas relating to the development and distribution of content in any medium or to the current, future and proposed products or services of Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates; (b) trade secrets, drawings, inventions, know-how, software programs, and software source documents; (c) information regarding plans for research, development, new service offerings or products, marketing and selling, business plans, business forecasts, budgets and unpublished financial statements, licenses and distribution arrangements, prices and costs, suppliers and customers; and (d) any information regarding the skills and compensation of employees, contractors or other agents of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.  Confidential Information also includes proprietary or confidential information of any third party who may disclose such information to the Company or Consultant in the course of the Company's business.  Consultant's obligations set forth in this Section shall not apply with respect to any portion of the Confidential Information that Consultant can document by competent proof that such portion:  (i) is in the public domain through no fault of Consultant; (ii) has been rightfully independently communicated to Consultant free of any obligation of confidence; or (iii) was developed by Consultant independently of and without reference to any information communicated to Consultant by the Company.  In addition, Consultant may disclose the Company's Confidential Information in response to a valid order by a court or other governmental body, as otherwise required by law.  All Confidential Information furnished to Consultant by the Company is the sole and exclusive property of the Company or its suppliers or customers.  Upon request by the Company, Consultant agrees to promptly deliver to the Company the original and any copies of such Confidential Information.


4.  Work Product. The Consultant acknowledges and agrees that all right, title, and interest in and to all writings, works of authorship, technology, inventions, discoveries, processes, techniques, methods, ideas, concepts, research, proposals, materials, and all other work product of any nature whatsoever, that are created, prepared, produced, authored, edited, amended, conceived, or reduced to practice by the Consultant individually or jointly with others during the Consulting Period resulting from any work performed by the Consultant for the Company (in each case, regardless of when or where prepared or whose equipment or other resources is used in preparing the same), all rights and claims related to the foregoing, and all printed, physical and electronic copies, and other tangible embodiments thereof (collectively, "Work Product"), as well as any and all rights in and to US and foreign (a) patents, patent disclosures and inventions (whether patentable or not), (b) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, logos, corporate names, and domain names, and other similar designations of source or origin, together with the goodwill symbolized by any of the foregoing, (c) copyrights and copyrightable works (including computer programs), and rights in data and databases, (d) trade secrets, know-how, and other confidential information, and (e) all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all registrations and applications for, and renewals and extensions of, such rights, all improvements thereto and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection in any part of the world (collectively, "Intellectual Property Rights"), shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company.


5. Anti-corruption.  Consultant represents, warrants and covenants that he has never been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or charged with any offence involving fraud, corruption or bribery in any jurisdiction or country. Consultant agrees and covenants to comply with all requirements of law relating to money laundering, anti-terrorism, bribery, and corrupt practices now or hereafter in effect, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), or any other applicable anti-corruption laws, and shall immediately notify Company in writing if it becomes aware that any of the foregoing representations, warranties, or covenants are no longer true or have been breached or if Consultant has a reasonable basis to believe that they may no longer be true or have been breached

6. Observance of Company Rules.  During the Consulting Period, Consultant will observe the Company's rules, regulations and policies with respect to conduct, health, safety, anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, anti-retaliation and protection of persons and property as those may be updated from time to time by the Company. Consultant will also comply with all operating and compliance policies of the Company, including without limitation, the Company's insider trading policy. A material breach of this provision shall be sufficient cause for the Company to terminate this Agreement immediately without notice or cure.

 8. General Provisions.

i. Successors and Assigns.  The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company.  Consultant shall not be entitled to assign any of his rights or obligations under this Agreement.

ii. Waiver.  Either party's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision, or prevent that party thereafter from enforcing each and every other provision of this Agreement.

iii. Modification; Severability.  In the event any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that the parties shall receive the benefit contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law.  If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

iv. Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.  Each party consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the state or federal courts in the State of New York, as applicable, in any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

v. Notices.  All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing signed by or on behalf of the party making the same and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person, by any internationally-recognized overnight courier providing evidence of delivery, by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), or by email with receipt confirmed or a copy delivered the next business day by any internationally-recognized overnight courier providing evidence of delivery addressed to the other party as set forth on the signature pages hereof.  Either party may change the designated person or address to which notices are to be sent by giving written notice to the other party in the manner set forth herein.


vi. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile or electronic mail, and each counterpart and facsimile or electronic transmission shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.  For all purposes, a facsimile copy or electronic copy of this Agreement, including the signature pages hereto, shall be deemed an original.

vii. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to this subject matter and supersedes all prior or simultaneous representations, discussions, negotiations, and agreements, whether written or oral.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only with the written consent of the Company and Consultant.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS


THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN.  WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW TO BE EFFECTIVE AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

 

Dated:  August 5, 2020

By:_Alex Smith_________________________

Name: Alexander M. R. Smith

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Notice Address:

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

President Place, 4th floor

Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road

Rosebank, Johannesburg

South Africa

Attention: Mr. Alexander M. R. Smith

 

Dated:  August 5, 2020

__/s/ Ali Mazanderani_____________________

Ali Mazanderani

Notice Address:

   

 

xxx



EXHIBIT A

CONSULTING SERVICES

1.1. The Consultant agrees to advise the board of directors of the Company on:

1.1.1. a review of the current strategy of the Company;

1.1.2. the development of a new/revised strategy for the Company;

1.1.3. monitoring of the Company's performance against the new/revised strategy;

1.1.4. succession planning for senior management of the Company, including key divisional and group management;

1.1.5. portfolio management, including mergers, acquisitions and disposals;

1.1.6. any other strategic matter reasonably agreed by the board of directors of the Company and the Consultant.

1.2. For the avoidance of doubt, the Services and related Consulting Fee and Option are in addition to the responsibilities of the Consultant as non-executive director of the Company.

 



Exhibit 99.1

Net1 CEO to step down at end of September 2020

JOHANNESBURG, August 5, 2020 - Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. ("Net1" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: UEPS; JSE: NT1) today announced that, after 22 years with the Company, Mr. Herman G. Kotzé will be stepping down on September 30, 2020, as the Chief Executive Officer and director of the financial technology multinational.

"Following a number of transformational corporate actions over the last year, including the sale of certain material assets and the retirement of all outstanding debt, I believe that Net1 is well placed to pursue a new strategic direction with a strong balance sheet and that it is the appropriate time for me to explore other opportunities. I have spent almost my entire career at Net1 and I am grateful to have worked with so many talented and dedicated employees and to have been part of the Company's incredible journey from its early days as a start-up venture," said Mr. Kotzé.

Mr. Alex Smith, Net1's Chief Financial Officer, will take over as the interim CEO upon Mr. Kotzé's departure, until the board finalizes the appointment of a permanent CEO. To ensure a steady transition, Mr. Kotzé has agreed to provide consulting services to the Company through May 31, 2021.

"Net1 is an indelible part of my life and I wish the group great success with its future endeavors," said Mr. Kotzé.

"We thank Herman for his significant contribution to the Company and wish him great success in his future enterprises. During his tenure at Net1, the Company attained a number of significant milestones and he leaves Net1 as a well-capitalized business with a solid platform for growth," said Mr. Jabu Mabuza, Chairman of Net1.

"We also welcome Alex into the role of interim CEO. He brings continuity to this transition process and we are confident that the company will be in safe hands under Alex's stewardship until a permanent CEO is appointed," concluded Mr. Mabuza.

Net1 expects to release its financial results for the year ended June 30, 2020 in September 2020. At that time, the Company will provide an update on its strategic direction, which will be focused on growing the core South African operations and optimizing capital allocation.

About Net1 (www.net1.com)

Net1 is a multinational financial technology company with a presence in Africa, Asia and Europe. Net1 leverages its proprietary banking and payment technology to distribute low-cost financial and value-added services to underbanked consumers and small businesses. The Company also provides transaction processing services, including being a leading payment processor and bill payment platform in South Africa. Net1 leverages its strategic investments in banks, telecom and mobile payment technology companies to further expand its product offerings or to enter new markets. Net1 has a primary listing on NASDAQ (NasdaqGS: UEPS) and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE: NT1). Visit www.net1.com for additional information about Net1.


Media Relations Contact:

Bridget von Holdt

Business Director - BCW

Phone: +27-82-610-0650

Email: Bridget.vonholdt@bcw-global.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Dara Dierks

Managing Director - ICR

Email: net1IR@icrinc.com