The volunteer-led magazine with ever-changing voices exploring different perspectives on today’s rapidly-evolving world.
Economy
Supporting Local Businesses Makes Great Cents Turning Peanuts into Profit
Words: Misaki Uchida Who would’ve thought that R180, a 10kg basket of peanuts, and a small machine could turn into
Blockchain Can Reinvent How South Africans Use Money The New Technology Has the Potential to Solve Trust Issues
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, then you probably start your day with a cup of speciality, fair-trade Ethiopian brew. But how do you know if what you’re drinking is actually fair-trade or from Ethiopia? Blockchain technology could help with this conundrum.
Congo River Lifeblood or Blood Spilled?
Grand Inga Dam is a titanic hydroelectric project on the Congo River with an enormous electric grid that would start from Inga Falls extending physically, and taking its ramifications with it, from South Africa to Egypt. Started in the 70s, this project has become an obsession for the Congo and a gold mine for foreign investors. Its plans will include the rehabilitation of the Inga 1 and 2 dams, as well as constructing Inga 3 and 4.
Timbuktu Online Groceries Bringing Ecommerce to Low-Middle Income Customers
Successful ecommerce business models have not yet adapted well to emerging-market conditions. In South Africa, limited access to the internet, combined with expensive data charges make it very difficult to reach a large audience with new online services. Despite rapid growth in market penetration over the last few years, just 52% of the population in South Africa currently has internet access, compared to 92.6% in UK.
South African Migration Brain Drain or Brain Gain?
The number of people migrating to and from South Africa has remained constant but the type of people leaving is creating an economic burden for the country. With many academics, entrepreneurs and skilled workers leaving the country, South Africa is struggling to keep up with the rest of the world.
Business at Bottom of the Pyramid Creating Wealth With Not From the Poor
Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) refers to people who live under $3,000 (about R34,000) annually. In South Africa, it is estimated that approximately 30 million, or two out of three people, live at the BoP. During the past decade, more and more private companies have started to show interest in the low-income market and became involved in BoP business in various forms.
