#June16: Bid to boost township economies
My Smart Kasi is busy with an initiative to develop township economies as June 16 approaches.
|||Johannesburg - In the run-up to the 40th anniversary of the June 16 protests, My Smart Kasi is busy with an initiative to develop township economies.
Chairman Wandile Zulu says the month of June has “become part of our proud heritage”.
He notes the 40th anniversary should be a game-changer that will change the economic face of townships forever.
As a result, the company is working to launch what it says will be “groundbreaking economic initiatives” to mark the anniversary.
“The June 16, 40th anniversary should leave an economic legacy for eKasi/township residents and South Africa in general,” says Zulu.
However, the company has yet to secure funding to get the initiative off the ground, and is now turning to crowdfunding.
Plans
My Smart Kasi is working on the following initiatives:
1. June 16 Startup 40 Challenge
2. My Smart Kasi 40 Challenge
Zulu explains the June 16 Startups 40 Challenge is an opportunity for South Africans to become entrepreneurs and game-changers through the observance of the 40th anniversary of June 16.
“The June 16 Startups 40 Challenge should be the focal point for startups and tech talent to meet and turn the 40th anniversary into (an) entrepreneurship uprising. This event should help launch the next generation of tech startups that will eventually become world-conquering companies. Each province should work towards identifying 40 world-class disruptive startups that South Africa can be very proud of.”
Zulu adds the My Smart Kasi 40 Challenge aims to canvass innovative and creative ideas from a spectrum of South Africans as well as initiate a startup revolution.
“This will be a perfect platform for city developers, academics, economists, professionals and institutions to share their expertise, insights, strategies and practices on how to kick start a fully-fledged economic revolution of eKasi.”
My Smart Kasi 40 Challenge should cover the entire economic spectrum of a dynamic and vibrant future of eKasi, he says.
Zulu adds it will also help South Africa expand economic prospects and break down divides.
Participants will choose a province and eKasi to focus on. The provincial winners will then go on to compete with other provinces, he explains.
Going mainstream
Zulu notes the challenge aims to procure disruptive ideas to make eKasi economically successful and bring it into the mainstream economy.
“It will seek new and fresh ideas from disruptors. The challenge should be designed to help spur innovation for the economic development of eKasi.”
He adds it should generate ideas that focus on any of the following areas: inclusive economic growth, advanced manufacturing, financial services, smart ICT, smart energy, infrastructure development, international best practices, multi modal transportation systems.
“We should be working towards turning eKasi to become one of the leading FinTech centres in South Africa. We need FinTech entrepreneurs who understand the culture and dynamics of stokvels and burial societies.
“For this to happen, we need disruptors to put this sector on the mainstream economy. With this in mind, as well as private sector and government support, eKasi can attract venture investment and institutional investment, says Zulu.
He can be reached on @June16StartUp40.
IOL