Meet the inspiring kasipreneurs of the informal economy, from bakers to backroom rental barons, coffee innovators to goat breeders, kasi delivery people to spaza innovators, mattress makers, backroom builders, vetkoek fryers and chicken dust queens, kota franchises and backyard auto mechanics.

These kasipreneurs not only sustain their communities but also drive considerable economic growth and social improvement. Each one has a unique story, yet they share a common thread of perseverance, innovative spirit, resilience and ingenuity. While formal statistics paint a bleak picture of widespread unemployment, this book tells a different story – one of ingenuity, resilience and drive. These are the men and women who are creating their own opportunities, building livelihoods, and contributing to the economy in ways that often go unrecognised. Their stories challenge the narrative and shine a light on a vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the heart of the informal economy.

KasiNomics Unleashed is also the story of the corporate pioneers; the executives who thrive doing business in these informal spaces – the listed property companies, township butchery chains, grocery delivery founders, furniture suppliers, financial services entrepreneurs and township property developers. As you delve into the tales of these enterprising executives, you will discover insights and lessons that transcend the boundaries of conventional business wisdom.

This is, on one hand, a book from GG Alcock about the business opportunities, pitfalls and key success factors for business in these rural and township spaces. But mostly it’s a deeply human story of the inspiring, tenacious entrepreneurs of our informal economy who are otherwise invisible – they are the future … a KasiNomic power unleashed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GG Alcock was born in Msinga, then one of the most poverty-stricken and violent parts of KwaZulu-Natal. His activist parents, Neil and Creina Alcock, raised their two sons in a mud hut with no running water, electricity or modern conveniences and they grew up like young Zulu boys, herding goats and hunting small animals. Zulu reared and bred, the boys learnt the essence of how to survive in a harsh world – valuable skills that have undoubtedly contributed to GG’s success as an entrepreneur.

GG has been at times a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker and African adventurer. Fluent in Zulu and conversant in most South African ethnic languages, he was the founder of Minanawe Marketing, a leading activations business in the kasi sector.

He is a regular speaker on a range of topics – from business to motivational to trend talks on subjects including entrepreneurship, the informal market, diversity and culture, marketing communications to the mass market and the route to market strategies for the informal sector.

GG is the author of four books – Born White Zulu Bred (originally published as Third World Child), KasiNomics Unleashed, KasiNomic Revolution and KasiNomics.

'KasiNomics Unleashed: The Evolution of the Informal Economy and the Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Executives Who Power It' is published by Tracey McDonald Publishers

Buy the book here