As we commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, we are reminded of the painful reality of millions of people worldwide who have to face the daily struggles for survival. This is a day on which all of us are urged to take drastic action to work towards a more just and equitable society where all individuals have access to essential necessities like food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
The situation in South Africa is not any better. Despite the progress that has been made since the dawn of democracy, poverty still remains a huge concern. According to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa, over 18 million people are living below the poverty line. This is exacerbated by the stubbornly high unemployment rate, sitting at nearly 35%, which has subjected many people to live under harsh economic conditions.
In light of these pressing challenges, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) has developed and implemented sustainable community upliftment initiatives aimed at improving the lives of communities living alongside the N4 corridor in both South Africa and Mozambique.
An excellent example of TRAC’s flagship CSI projects is the work that TRAC is doing with the Malalane hawkers in Mpumalanga. TRAC is empowering these hawkers to become skilled entrepreneurs by providing them with training in business management, financial literacy, and customer service. Through access to essential resources and support in obtaining the necessary permits, TRAC helps them create sustainable self-employment opportunities. This initiative not only enables hawkers to sustain themselves and their families but also creates economic opportunities in their area.
Since its inception in 2016, TRAC has invested over R2 million in the Malalane hawkers support programme, benefiting more than 150 of them. This programme has produced a growing pool of skilled entrepreneurs who are driving vibrant economic growth in the area.
Given that Malalane serves as a gateway to the Kruger National Park, this intervention was particularly strategic. “The high foot count of travellers visiting the park presents a unique opportunity for hawkers to thrive. However, to fully capitalise on this constant movement of tourists, their businesses needed significant improvement. TRAC equipped these hawkers with essential skills and resources, ensuring they can enhance their offerings and attract more customers,” says Ms Adri Fourie, TRAC’s Executive for HR and CSI.
Ms Fourie emphasises that by empowering hawkers in Malelane, TRAC is creating sustainable livelihoods that can lift families out of economic hardship. “As these local entrepreneurs thrive, they contribute to the economic revival of the Malelane area, generating a ripple effect of benefits throughout their communities,” she says.