The 2023 SA matric class and higher education-graduates face a challenging job market and the reality of joining over 3.3 million past graduates struggling to find employment.

Amid soaring unemployment rates, which are one of the highest on the continent and globe, and facing economic challenges, the youth's confidence in our nation is plummeting. In the PPS 2022-23 Student Confidence Index, 90% of the students surveyed expressed their readiness to live and work overseas, with 92% citing a lack of local opportunities as the reason for leaving.

”As matriculants and students transition into the working world, they encounter difficulty finding employment, and are seeking innovative ways to earn an income. It’s imperative that these income opportunities are safe and vetted, with room for personal and long-term growth, much like the entrepreneurial opportunities provided by the Direct Selling Association of South Africa’s (DSA) member companies.” Says Rajesh Parshotam, chairperson of the DSA.

Young adults facing resource constraints, job application challenges, and skills mismatches, and overall lack of job opportunities can use direct selling as a means of earning money, while acquiring new skills and building financial independence.

Around a third of South Africa's direct selling industry is under the age of 35, demonstrating a trend that offers a path to financial independence for many young adults. Parshotam adds, “No formal education required, flexible working hours, low entry barriers, and minimal risk make direct selling an ideal solution to the country’s unemployment challenges and a means of transforming lives."

“Over 600k South Africans are using direct selling as a source of income, collectively earning R1.8 billion in 2022, making it a crucial economic lifeline for our country. Our member companies provide skills development, mentorship, training, and guidance to their direct sellers, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs with sustainable businesses and financial independence," says Imtiaz Ebrahim, secretariat of the DSA.

“We’re excited about introducing matriculants and graduates to the opportunity of direct selling, owning a business, and achieving financial independence that allows for stability, financial well-being, and personal growth,” concludes Imtiaz Ebrahim, secretariat of DSA.