**Fatshimetrie: E-commerce revolution in the townships of South Africa**
In the townships of South Africa, a real e-commerce revolution is underway. Local entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity offered by online delivery platforms to boost their activities, thus boosting the local economy. Among them, Lucky Mazibuko, owner of Ribs Circle restaurant in Tembisa, has seen his revenue increase significantly since joining delivery app KasiD in 2022.
KasiD CEO Freddy Mahhumane launched this platform to meet the growing need for delivery services in townships. Building on its success, it expanded into logistics and last-mile delivery, providing new employment opportunities for township residents.
This e-commerce trend is confirmed by the 2023 Township CX Report, which reveals that more and more township residents are turning to online sales. Retail giants like Shoprite and Takealot have also seized the opportunity by launching bulk delivery services to support small local businesses.
However, despite these advances, challenges remain. The low income level in the townships makes it difficult for online businesses to sustain themselves, and the culture of shopping in physical stores is still very entrenched. Yet initiatives such as Takealot’s personal shopping program and Mr D’s independent restaurant support program show that it is possible to overcome these obstacles by adapting to the specificities of townships.
Ultimately, e-commerce in townships offers real economic development opportunities for local residents. By encouraging entrepreneurship and facilitating access to convenient delivery services, these platforms help strengthen the economic fabric of South Africa’s townships, providing new prospects for these dynamic and creative communities.