KASIKONNECT - Organisations

ACD Soweto ESD Forum Seminar

Fana K. — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:40:00 GMT

Hi SMEs and COOPS

African Cooperative and Africa Destiny Media are inviting SMEs and Coops to attend their Soweto ESD Forum, We Would like to provide SMEs with information on Department of Labour compliance and benefits for SMEs also to provide SMES and Coops an update on AI and digital transformation and as we had invited corporates to present their ESD opportunities.

To RSVP send Message ESD to 0736269736 only 50 Entrepreneurs will be allowed reserve your seat now

"INNOVATING FOR ENTREPRENEURS"

ACD Calling All Entrepreneurs to Boost their Business

Fana K. — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

South African Founders: Is 2026 the year your idea becomes reality? 💡🇿🇦

ACD is looking for driven entrepreneurs in SA ready to take their venture from concept to market-ready.

Join my upcoming 14-week online founder cohort, using the Wadhwani Foundation’s Ignite Program. You’ll get practical, real-world application through weekly live sessions and group coaching, all facilitated personally by me, Xolela Sohuma, leveraging 20+ years of African ecosystem experience.

We kick off on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

To succeed, you need to commit to the process. The program runs for 14 weeks, requiring attendance at two 1-1.5-hour live online sessions per week: every Tuesday & Thursday at 16h00 SA time.

Spots are limited to founders ready to take action.

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEGUES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING THEIR OWN VENTURES.

A Call to Action for both government and the formal economy

Admin (JS) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:25:00 GMT

The numbers are out, and the message is clear: while the rest of the world and our neighbours in Sub-Saharan Africa are finding their gears, South Africa is idling at a projected 1.2% growth for 2026. To the suits in Sandton and the policy-makers in Pretoria, this might look like a "stable recovery." But on the ground in our townships—in the heart of the R900 billion Kasi economy—this is a crisis of exclusion.

ACD All Sectors Meeting

Fana K. — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:50:00 GMT

African Cooperative Desk is inviting all Leadership Talent Township Economy Leaders and Entrepreneurs to join our All sectors meeting Date: on 22 January 2026 Thursday Time: 11am till 3pm Venue: SWGC George Tarbo Dube Campus to become our members, leaders and portfolio mangers Joining fee 500 and Monthly contribution 100 for the formation of Cooperatives to manage sectors to develop besiness to own South African and International business we require leaders with experience in leadership, Business development, Comminucation, Corporate Governance, Financial literacy, Community Development, Recruitment, Marketing and Professionals at large in Creating our own Business Investment Legacy

Agenda

1. Opening and Welcome

2. Apologies

3. Feedback and Sector Development

4. Training and Development

5. Structure development

6. Creating our own Projects and Funding

7. Cooperative Bank

8. African Bank Affinity Programme and

African Cooperative Desk Zoom Meeting Invitation

Fana K. — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 10:55:00 GMT

African Cooperative Desk is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Business Presentation with ACD sectors and Gauteng and Mpumalanga Millionaire Co-ops

Time: Jan 12, 2026 12:00 PM Johannesburg

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81540954544?pwd=5PelaG2pae2Uu9d0GZbrEdsENaI18t.1

Meeting ID: 815 4095 4544

Passcode: h4X05b

Join instructions

https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/81540954544/invitations?signature=qu4r4xnLj0PBvm0Na7cpgSqm2_XWZ3NnRasGpYeY7qs

Hyperlocalising the Value Chain: The Multiplier Effect in Township Economies

Admin (JS) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:45:00 GMT

The structural legacy of South African townships as "dormitory towns"—labour reserves with limited internal economic logic—has created a persistent phenomenon of economic leakage.1 Income generated by township residents is predominantly spent on goods manufactured and retailed by entities outside the township, resulting in a net capital outflow. This article argues that the "SPAZA Supply+" model, by establishing a closed-loop, hyperlocal supply chain, serves as a mechanism for Township Import Substitution. By integrating local manufacturing, logistics, and retail (spaza shops), the model plugs economic leaks, accelerates the local multiplier effect, and fosters endogenous community development.JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – KasiKonnect, the definitive geospatial intelligence platform for the township economy, launches GEO Loxion, an innovative approach designed to empower municipalities to drive more effective and strategic local economic development (LED).

For decades, the economic narrative of South African townships has been one of dependency. Goods, resources, and capital flow out of the community to large, often distant, retail and commercial hubs, only to trickle back in as products with a hefty markup. This one-way street stifles local economic growth and leaves township residents as mere consumers rather than active participants in the economy. The informal traders at places like Bara Taxi Rank, while resourceful, are at the end of a long, expensive supply chain. To truly unlock the potential of the township economy, we must radically re-imagine this model and bring the supply chain home. Read our objectives here.

Building a Foundation: How to Support Informal Traders at Bara Taxi Rank

Admin (JS) — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:55:00 GMT

The informal economy is the heartbeat of South African townships. It’s a dynamic, resilient sector that provides a lifeline for millions, offering income and a sense of purpose in the face of high unemployment. At bustling hubs like the Bara Taxi Rank in Soweto, a complex ecosystem of informal traders thrives, serving the thousands of commuters who pass through daily. But for this vital economy to reach its full potential, it needs more than just resilience; it needs strategic, focused support.

BEYOND THE MAP - SHORT TERM ACTIONS FOR MUNICIPALITIES TO SHIFT TOWNSHIP ECONOMIES

Admin (JS) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:15:00 GMT

Local economic development in the kasi is often seen as a long-term, complex challenge. But we're convinced that there’s a quicker fix that can have an immediate impact? The first step isn’t a grand scheme, but a simple, strategic action: mapping a municipalities kasipreneurs. Many municipalities have incomplete or outdated data on the vibrant business activity happening on their doorstep. This lack of a clear picture is the single biggest barrier to effective support and effective decision maki

African Cooperative Desk Township Leadership Talent

Fana K. — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:45:00 GMT

African Cooperative Desk is calling all leaders in the community to come and share their skills and experience in our 20 sectors the aim is to grow the sectors and place leaders into sectors to own the sectors as their own to create their own financial freedom into organising projects to create an income stream to create employment and opportunities, We are looking for leaders to occupy the following management positions on CEO, Project, Legal, Finance, Marketing, PRO, Business Development, Database, Information, Corporate Governance and Policy, Resource, Coordination and many more...

For more information send your CV to fana@africancoodesk.co.za or send WhatsApp to 0736269736

Innovating for Entrepreneurs

Pad Drive

Masedi M. — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:25:00 GMT

The Township Automotive Sector: South Africa’s most ignored supply chain opportunity

Admin (JS) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:05:00 GMT

Mandela Day Wonderboom Junction

Masedi M. — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:35:00 GMT

Uhle.Paddrive

Masedi M. — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 22:00:00 GMT

ACD Opportunities for Leaders

Fana K. — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:40:00 GMT

☀️ This week’s opportunities for African founders span equity funding, global fellowships, and market access.

Baobab Network Accelerator

$100K equity investment + lifetime support.

💡 Eligibility: Africa-based, African-led tech startups with validated MVPs

📅: Rolling (Next cohort: October 2024)

🔗: https://lnkd.in/dvuzi9Pi

University City Science Center US Market Access Program

For startups looking to enter the US healthcare market.

💡 Eligibility: Growth-ready medtech, diagnostics, or digital health startups

📅: June 30, 2025 (Expression of Interest)

🔗: https://lnkd.in/dyRqY_CU

The Global Good Fund Fellowship

12-month hybrid leadership program offering $10K for leadership development, executive coaching & mentorship.

💡 Eligibility: Social entrepreneurs leading enterprises operating for 3–5 years with global impact potential

📅: June 30, 2025

African Cooperative Desk Facilitator Development Program

Fana K. — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:55:00 GMT

Dear Leaders

We are pleased to announce that the next cohort of the African Cooperative Desk Wadhwani Ignite Facilitator Development Program (FDP) will commence (launch meeting) on Wednesday, 25th June. This "Train the Trainer" program is designed to equip facilitators with the knowledge and tools required to deliver the African Cooperative Desk and Wadhwani Ignite Entrepreneurship Program to university students and idea-stage entrepreneurs.

We invite all our who plan to be part of the Ignite Program to Kindly submit the following details

Full Name

Email Address (to be used for the training)

Mobile Number

Name of the Institution they will facilitate for

Note:

Existing facilitators will only be required to complete a refresher, to ensure they are familiar with the new and updated Ignite Program content and platform features. NOTE! Facilitators who have completed the Ignite training in 2025 (and have active co-horts) do n

Why TACSA Is a Game-Changer for South Africa’s Automotive Future

Floyd B. — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:10:00 GMT

In a country where over 40% of young people are unemployed and informal mechanics operate without recognition or resources, the Transformative Automotive Cluster South Africa (TACSA) has emerged as a bold and strategic solution. More than just a development programme, TACSA is a game-changer—redefining how township and rural communities engage with South Africa’s automotive economy.

Driving Change: How TACSA Is Bridging South Africa’s Youth Skills Gap and Transforming Township Workshops

Floyd B. — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:40:00 GMT

South Africa’s automotive industry is one of the most advanced in Africa—yet its benefits have not fully reached township and rural communities. The Transformative Automotive Cluster South Africa (TACSA) is changing that. This initiative is redefining the future of informal mechanics, bridging the youth skills gap, and laying the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive automotive ecosystem.

How OEMs Can Strengthen the Transformative Automotive Cluster in South Africa’s Townships and Rural Areas

Floyd B. — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:45:00 GMT

As South Africa’s automotive landscape shifts toward electrification and localisation, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have a crucial role to play—not just in production and sales, but in driving equitable development. One of the most promising opportunities for impact lies in supporting the Transformative Automotive Cluster South Africa (TACSA), a grassroots initiative focused on uplifting informal mechanics and modernising workshops across townships and rural communities.

The Kasi automotive sector - steeply growing, yet largely informal

Admin (JS) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:35:00 GMT

Township automotive services form a vibrant, sizable segment of South Africa’s broader motor repairs ecosystem. Recent estimates suggest there are about 80,000 “kasimechanics” and panel-beaters operating informally, often from backyard garages or small street-side workshops. While South Africa’s formal automotive manufacturing contributes around 6–7% to GDP and employs over 110,000 directly, these township-based SMMEs are a quieter powerhouse—providing essential services to an unfinanced market that makes up nearly 40% of all vehicles. Though exact contributions are unregistered, their impact on local employment, vehicle upkeep, and grassroots economic activity is immense and frequently overlooked.

Township economic transformation is cited in several notable publications as one of the key growth drivers for South Africa’s economic growth. In reality, however, it remains a lost opportunity. Whichever way one chooses to view the statistics, township economic growth strategies have not delivered meaningful results to key stakeholders and today 60% of South Africa’s unemployed live in townships.

When you think of a business owner, a young college student is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind. I haven’t founded a giant internet company, sent my car hurtling into space via rocket or appeared on Shark Tank (though I have talked to Mr. Wonderful). Regardless, I am a proud student entrepreneur.

African Cooperative Desk Opportunities for Youth and Companies

Admin (JS) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:10:00 GMT

African Cooperative Desk is seeking

Host companies: These companies will provide 12-month workplace experience opportunities for In-Service students from an engineering and business management background.

In-Service students (10) : These students are pursuing engineering or business management qualifications and require 12-month placements to complete their diplomas. The stipend for these positions is R5,000 per month.

Additionally, we have an opening for:

One disa

African Cooperative Desk and Revoni Training

Admin (JS) — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:15:00 GMT

African Cooperative Desk in partnership with Rivoni Training is inviting Youth, SMMEs and Coops in Chemical Manufacturing

Programme Description:

1. Three months chemical manufacturing skill program in cleaning detergent 20 youth invited with interest to be part of the Seta accredited program.

2. Learnership for company employees, SMME owners and Coop members who are already operating in chemical manufacturing.

The City of Johannesburg (Department of Economic Development) in partnership with PETCO and other stakeholders cordially invites Waste pickers, Cooperatives, SMMEs and individuals interested in recycling to a Waste Management Workshop.

The workshop aims to capacitate the participants with recycling value chain and will be connected with Buyback Centre’s. Some of the topics that will be covered includes:

As designers and curators of online communities, our interest in how platform technology could support township economies started in at the end of 2021.