Suits & Sneakers presents: "KasiNomics" by GG Alcock

Suits & Sneakers hosts regular learning events each month with different guests who speak to different themes. The idea behind Suits & Sneakers is that these events act like informal "university" classes which hopefully help you to become a better version of yourself. This specific event will be hosted on the evening of Tuesday, 28 October at The Tryst in Woodstock.

WHAT IS THIS EVENT ALL ABOUT?

GG calls it KasiNomics, the economics of the informal sector. Instead of accepting the long-standing narrative that frames it as an “informal” or “underdeveloped” or “survivalist space, GG positions it as a profitable, thriving and diverse economic sector that is worth over a trillion rand.

In GG’s latest talk “KasiNomics Unleashed” he tells the story of the corporate pioneers, the executives who thrive by doing business in these informal spaces, from listed property companies to township butchery chains, from grocery delivery founders to furniture suppliers, financial services entrepreneurs to township property developers. As you delve into the tales of these enterprising executives, you will discover insights and lessons that transcend the boundaries of conventional business wisdom.

Also meet the inspiring entrepreneurs “kasipreneurs” of the informal economy, from bake for profit bakers to backroom rental barons, coffee innovators to goat breeders, kasi delivery to spaza innovators, mattress makers and backroom builders, vetkoek fryers and chicken dust queens, kota franchises and backyard auto mechanics.

This is on one hand a talk about the business opportunities, pitfalls and key success factors for business in these rural and township and informal economies but mostly it’s a deeply human story of the inspiring tenacious entrepreneurs of our informal economy who are otherwise invisible. You will leave this talk inspired and energised with a new optimism about South Africa and the people who inhabit these informal spaces.

MORE ABOUT GG ALCOCK

Born white but raised & bred as a Zulu man, GG grew up in a rural hut in KwaZulu with no running water, electricity or modern conveniences living with and like young Zulu boys, a journey told in his memoir Born White, Zulu Bred.

GG has been at times a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker, African adventurer & multiple entrepreneur. His business Minanawe Marketing pioneered marketing and distribution to township and rural markets in South Africa.

GG’s books KasiNomics & KasiNomic Revolution cast a light on informal economies & the people who live in them. The books celebrate the inspiring entrepreneurs of these great marketplaces & share lessons on marketing & business in these informal spaces.

GG’s latest book KasiNomics Unleashed, tells the story of the evolution of the informal economy and the inspiring entrepreneurs & executives who power it!

GG is a thought leader and commentator on the trends and dynamics of the informal economies & societies which make up the majority of South Africa. He is a regular speaker on a range of topics, from business to motivational to trend talks on subjects including entrepreneurship, the informal market, diversity and culture, marketing communications to the mass market and the route to market strategies for the informal sector.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

This Suits & Sneakers event is proudly brought to you by EasyEquities, Melon Mobile, and the many small business owners that are Suits & Sneakers members. Together, we have created a support structure for small business owners and our collective goal is to grow the economy, while lowering unemployment. More about that on the night.