Amid South Africa’s volatile economy, female-led households face an ever-increasing financial burden compounded by unemployment, “Pink Tax”, interest rate inflation, and a lack of resources and skills. Many are battling to provide for their families with no relief in sight.
Nearly 43.4% of South African children are raised by single mothers in female-headed households: 47.7% in rural areas and 39.6% in urban ones. The gender disparity of single parenting in the country is clear, women overwhelmingly shoulder the responsibility.
Single parents across South Africa face the financial difficulty of stretching earnings of less than R2,000 a month – not nearly enough to afford basic needs, let alone the rising cost of living and education.
Half of South Africa’s working-aged women are unemployed. Stats SA reveals the grim reality of inequality in a job market favouring men, with women and the youth facing the greatest risk of unemployment. It’s clear by the numbers that more needs to be done to create income opportunities for this demographic to survive financially.
“In these trying times, South Africans are looking for ways to earn extra money to make it through the month. Those struggling to stay afloat need flexible income to get by. It is essential, particularly for women, that these income streams are safe and vetted, like those provided by the member companies of the Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSA),” says Rajesh Parshotam, chairperson of the DSA.
“As women, we have a unique resilience and will ‘do what we need to’ to provide for our families,” says Tamuna Gabilaia, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations. “Using direct selling as a way to gain financial independence, women can power through tough times, while working flexible hours, and still have enough time to be there for their loved ones. With financial security, mentorship, and training, direct selling has been transforming the lives of women into stories of success and empowerment.”
At 78%, South Africa’s direct selling industry is predominantly female – a trend that could provide the perfect path to financial freedom for many. Parshotam explains, “Low barriers to entry, minimal risk, flexible working hours and no formal education required make direct selling an ideal solution to boost disposable income and address financial struggles nationwide.”
“Direct selling is providing an economic lifeline in SA, addressing the lack of income opportunities for women, undergraduates and the unemployed. Our member companies are providing skills and guidance to their direct sellers, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs with sustainable businesses and financial freedom,” says Imtiaz Ebrahim, secretariat of the DSA.
Through continuous engagement with national and provincial government departments, the DSA has made significant progress in expanding the dialogue to have direct selling acknowledged as a key economic solution. The DSA is committed to working with the government to generate income opportunities in townships through DSA member companies.
“We’re excited about sharing this wonderful opportunity of direct selling, of owning a business, and the financial independence to afford stability, financial well-being, and peace of mind,” concludes Imtiaz Ebrahim, secretariat of DSA.
