The Evolution of the Informal Economy and the Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Executives Who Power It
By GG Alcock
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.
Thriving in the heart of the informal economy
While formal statistics paint a bleak picture of widespread unemployment, KasiNomics Unleashed tells a different story. It is a story of ingenuity, resilience and drive. These are the men and women who create their own opportunities, build livelihoods and contribute to the economy in ways that often go unrecognised.
Their stories challenge the national narrative. They shine a light on a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the heart of the informal economy. KasiNomics Unleashed celebrates these individuals for their courage and creative problem-solving, showing how they transform local challenges into business opportunities.
KasiNomics Unleashed is also the story of corporate pioneers. It highlights the executives who thrive doing business in these informal spaces, including listed property companies, township butchery chains, grocery delivery founders, furniture suppliers, financial services entrepreneurs and township property developers. As readers explore the tales of these enterprising executives, they discover insights and lessons that go beyond conventional business wisdom.
This is, on one hand, a book from GG Alcock about business opportunities, pitfalls and key success factors for ventures in rural and township spaces. At the same time, it is a deeply human story of inspiring and tenacious entrepreneurs in our informal economy. These individuals are often invisible, but they represent the future of entrepreneurship – a true KasiNomics Unleashed power at work.
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. 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. These valuable skills undoubtedly contributed to GG’s success as an entrepreneur.
GG has worked as a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker and African adventurer. He speaks Zulu fluently and is conversant in most South African ethnic languages. Later, he founded Minanawe Marketing, a leading activations business in the kasi sector.
GG is the author of four books: Born White Zulu Bred (originally published as Third World Child), KasiNomics Unleashed, KasiNomic Revolution and KasiNomics. Each book offers a unique lens on South Africa’s dynamic informal economy and the kasipreneurs who bring it to life.
- PUBLISHER | Tracey McDonald Publishers |
- ISBN | 978-1-0672289-7-2 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R350.00 |
- Classification | Entrepreneurship |
For more information | Janine Daniel | +27 (0)83 327 3393 | mail me |
