Social network WeChat has announced that it is hosting an on-demand goods collection and delivery service, PicupSA, on its platform.

PicupSA is an application that aims to provide a simple approach to the hassle and admin involved with traditional courier services.

In a statement WeChat noted that the service (app) is the ideal courier alternative for small medium enterprises (SMEs) and individuals in need of a quick, easy and affordable solution.

Brett Loubser, head of WeChat Africa explained that Picup will use WeChat’s built in functionality such as mapping, and messaging to take the hassle out of deliveries and turn a phone into a remote control.

With the Picup app a user's phone is transformed into a delivery remote control, moving an online order into a real world delivery. And users can sign up for the service by downloading WeChat, following the picup official account, PicupSA and completing the registration process, according to the statement.

“Technology is changing our lives. Customers value their time, they’re demanding immediacy, efficiency and simplicity and this is exactly what picup aims to achieve by letting customers order a licensed, verified and fully trained professional driver directly from WeChat seamlessly – no paperwork, no confusion, no problem,” said chief Picup officer, Grant Isaacs.

Isaacs added, "We believe in embracing life’s challenges and the challenge of creating a simple, reliable on-demand delivery service was one we could not ignore. It will also facilitate and service the on demand, emergency needs of existing courier companies. In time it will be a great alternative for e-commerce companies and other businesses, especially as more South Africans start shopping online."