Inside Track: How to Hack SA’s Informal Economy

Looking to tap into SA’s R425bn township economy? Then this week’s 30-minute podcast is for you. We spoke to serial founder and veritable informal economy expert Luvuyo Rani of Silulo Ulutho Technologies, who has been setting up technology centres in townships and under-served areas for, like, 20 years. It’s gold…

The Highlights

1. Long-term thinking
Having been one of the first movers to try and bring internet into townships, Luvuyo realised early on how important branding and visibility are in this market.

He explains here how they had to constantly push to be the first to deliver new tech to the market. And how they’d have to work (even at a loss) when malls and big brands started encroaching onto the local township space – driving up rental costs and ousting small local businesses. Particularly, how they had to take the high costs on the chin, just to be the local brand whose shop could stand next to a big brand in a township.

2. Localisation is King

As Luvuyo explains, even townships within the same metropole are vastly different. So localising yourself is key. They always made sure to employ local people, engage with local radio stations and media, and work with stakeholders in the area to make them feel a part of what they were doing.

Slowly but surely, the local entrepreneurs and even community leaders started getting involved and on board with what they were doing. To the point where today they can franchise.

3. Go where the need is

For years, and perhaps even now, the story to many entrepreneurs in SA is to go one of two places – either Cape Town or Joburg – to build a business. But Luvuyo realised early on that it wouldn’t work for them.

They needed to bring internet infrastructure to those who didn’t have it, so they went the exact opposite, to the Eastern Cape. And, because the market was being ignored by all the main players, they were, apart from easy access to the general public, able to get meetings with school principals, heads of departments and even government department officials in the area.

It’s amazing insights – and if you’re keen on the township economy, this 30-minute podcast is probably the best investment you can make.

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