By Feroza Joosub, Sanlam Retail Mass, Executive: Marketing, Customer Experience
South Africa faces a daunting reality: an unemployment rate of 33.5% (Stats SA, Q2 2004). While this crisis presents significant challenges, it also offers a unique opportunity for collective action. Amidst adversity, the resourcefulness of township communities highlights our nation’s resilience. Despite numerous challenges and limitations, the entrepreneurial spirit within these communities has driven the growth of township economies, contributing billions of Rands to the national GDP.
As South Africans, we are remarkable for our resilience and our ability to rise to challenges with innovative solutions. The determination and creativity demonstrated by people in our townships, who are actively working to improve their lives and develop their communities, is truly inspiring. From the spaza shops and culturally reflective clothing brands to fruit and vegetable stalls, shisanyamas, and more, each street vendor, small retailer, service provider, and artisan operates a unique business that not only serves local needs but also contributes to the growth of the township economy by creating jobs and supporting livelihoods.
To unlock this potential fully, corporations must play a pivotal role. By investing in township communities, businesses can contribute to sustainable growth and upliftment. Sanlam Kas’lam initiative is one of the numerous ways Sanlam addresses the challenges facing our country. It reflects our dedication to the growth and development of South Africa, focusing on one township at a time. The Kas’lam initiative centres on four key areas: business, infrastructure, education, and safety and security. Our approach is grounded in practicality, delivering tangible solutions that directly improve lives.
For instance, our water initiative addresses a critical challenge. By installing JoJo tanks at 8 schools in Soweto schools, we ensure uninterrupted learning for 12,000 learners and 320 educators, creating a conducive learning environment. This reduces absenteeism, caused by water cuts and hygiene issues. Additionally, local vendors within a 2km radius of the schools will benefit from increased water access, enabling them to maintain hygiene standards while serving their customers effectively.
As Sanlam, we are committed to a long-term effort and plan to expand our presence to every township in South Africa, offering solutions that provide real value to individuals, schools, businesses, and communities. We invite other organisations and large corporates to join us in this mission so that together we can all keep iKasi thriving!
Click here to download the 2024 Sanlam ESG Barometer Report https://sanlamesgbarometer.co.za/report-2024/
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