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Stuff from Johannesburg

Empowering SA’s unemployed through entrepreneurship for economic growth

Advertorial:
Empowering SA’s unemployed through entrepreneurship for economic growth:

South Africa faces a youth unemployment crisis with a staggering rate of 45.5%, the highest in the world in 2023 per www.statista.com. Empowering entrepreneurs and driving micro business development is crucial for economic growth, addressing unemployment challenges and lack of income opportunities, reducing financial inequality, and ultimately uplifting communities.

Job scarcity, lack of skills, educational gaps, and financial limitations plague our population. High unemployment ranks as one of the top concerns among the youth, with 82% being “very concerned” and despite some having a high level of education, there’s a disconnect between their qualifications and industry-required skills, leading some to convert passion-driven side hustles into full-time ventures according to the Flux Trends and Student Village 30/30/30 Project Report 2024.

Rajesh Parshotam, Chairperson of the DSA, remarks, “Direct selling is proving to be a vital economic solution in South Africa. South Africans need safe, innovative income solutions that lower barriers to entry. The DSA of South Africa’s (DSA) accredited member companies have a proven formula that provides an income and entrepreneurial/business opportunity through direct selling.”

DSA direct selling member companies have helped uplift more than 600,000 South Africans (or Direct Sellers) from different walks of life, earning a collective annual average of R1.8 billion. Parshotam explains, “DSA member companies offer skills development, mentorship, and training, empowering Direct Sellers to become successful entrepreneurs. With no formal education needed, little to no start-up capital, and minimal risk, direct selling is an ideal organic transformation solution to redressing challenges of the previously disadvantaged such as generational poverty, financial and gender inequality, the lack of income opportunities for youth and high unemployment.”

“Anyone can rise above their circumstances when given the right opportunity. With direct selling, students, professionals, full-time employees, or part-time income seekers (side hustlers), have the flexibility to earn while managing other priorities. Through this income opportunity and their efforts, Direct Sellers are achieving financial independence and transforming their communities, regardless of their circumstances. Nearly a third of South Africa’s Direct Sellers are under 35, highlighting a trend toward financial independence for younger adults”, says Brandon Masondo, DSA Vice Chairperson and Youth Initiative Director.

Masondo explains, “Youths are integral to the direct selling industry. That’s why DSA has a dedicated Youth pillar ready to positively impact South African youth by expanding reach to business opportunities with DSA-accredited companies and partnering with local and national government and like-minded organisations.” DSA’s long-established Work Integrated Learning Project with the University of Johannesburg is an example of an initiative that successfully equips youth with skills to start their own business, market themselves, and enter the entrepreneurial world.

“We are thrilled to introduce South Africans in need to direct selling—an opportunity for business ownership and financial independence that brings stability, financial well-being, personal growth, and community upliftment,” concludes Imtiaz Ebrahim, DSA Secretariat.

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Author: Farah Manuel from We Rise Communications on behalf of The Direct Selling Association of South Africa.

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Sophiatown: The Lost “Paris of the Transvaal”

Sophiatown’s golden age was the 1940s and 50s. It was a dense, vibrant, and often dangerous neighborhood, characterized by “backyard” rooms, shebeens (illegal speakeasies), and a sophisticated social scene. It was the birthplace of Kwaito’s ancestors and the legendary “Marabi” music—a blend of traditional African rhythms and American ragtime. The streets were home to the most iconic figures of African literature and music: Miriam Makeba found her voice here; Hugh Masekela received his first trumpet from a local priest; and the writers of Drum magazine, like Can Themba and Bloke Modisane, used the neighborhood as their muse. They dressed in Fedora hats and double-breasted suits, channeling the style of Hollywood gangsters and Harlem intellectuals, creating a world that was cosmopolitain, intellectual, and radically multi-racial.

However, the “Bohemia” of Sophiatown was an existential threat to the National Party’s vision of total racial separation. The government viewed it as a “black spot” in a white area. In 1955, the state launched Western Areas Removal Scheme. On the morning of February 9th, 2,000 heavily armed police officers moved in, forcing families into trucks at gunpoint. They were relocated to the newly established matchbox houses of the South Western Townships (Soweto), 20 kilometers away. The resistance was led by figures like Trevor Huddleston, the Anglican priest whose church, St. Joseph’s, still stands today. Despite the slogan “Ons dak nie, ons pola hier” (We are not moving, we are staying here), the bulldozers were relentless.