South Africa’s economy faces “significant risk and uncertainty is on the rise” (Budget Speech 2023), with numerous challenges including high debt, inflation, and an unemployment rate predicted to reach 35% by 2024, as discouraged job seekers give up on looking for work and a large percentage of South Africans grapple to get by.

“Households are under pressure from the rising cost of living, and unemployment remains stubbornly high.” Enoch Godongwana, Finance Minister - 2023 Budget speech. More than one-fifth (20,9%) of households nationally considered their access to food as inadequate or severely inadequate. The rapid rise in the cost of living combined with loadshedding, upcoming increase in electricity and low income means South Africans struggle to survive financially and can’t afford the basics, much less ‘sin tax,’ making them even more vulnerable to scams or fraud.

“An increase in social grants or financial aid and income tax relief only helps so much. In their desperation to make ends meet, South Africans may resort to get-rich-quick schemes that promise high returns leaving no thought for long-term, stable and safer income solutions.” says Rajesh Parshotam, chairperson of Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSA), “There’s no quick way to get rich. A tried and tested approach is best, like direct selling for credible DSA member companies that have been vetted by the DSA.”

With more than 50% of the budget being allocated to social grants, South Africans are in dire need for alternatives to raise their disposable incomes to a level that will cover more than just the absolute basic necessities. With low barriers to entry, minimal risk, flexible working hours, no formal education required, and training and mentorship provided by the respective DSA member companies, direct selling has become a viable income and entrepreneurial solution to raise disposable incomes as well as to address unemployment.

Around 650k South Africans are successfully direct selling as a side hustle or primary source of income through DSA vetted member companies. Direct selling is one of the few industries to boast success in an ever-struggling economy with R2.1 billion earned in 2021 by Direct Sellers of DSA member companies. Each of these Direct Sellers are Entrepreneurs in their own right.