In Celebration and Support of Black-Owned Businesses
Do you know why it’s important to support Black-Owned businesses?
by Drew Haller and Saarah Anne Fletcher
So, what’s so important about supporting specifically Black-Owned businesses anyways?
The answer to this question stems from South Africa’s apartheid and colonial history. This might cause many from a specific socio-economic generation (one that we shall not name…) to roll their eyes. Yes, we get that we’ve been a democratic state for more than two decades — but, no, that does not mean our country’s people do not continue to suffer, Karen.
Did you know that there’s a difference between income and wealth? Basically, income refers to earnings received continuously from either work or investments. Wealth refers to money, assets, or valuable possessions accumulated throughout a person’s life or through inheritance. So, wealth can generate its own income as well as be passed down through generations, which gives the heir an advantage in life versus one who received nothing, or one who only has enough disposable income to cover basic survival costs.
To put it simply, it’s important to support Black-Owned businesses because it helps to close the racial wealth gap — which is significant. The apartheid and colonial state’s enforced segregation of Black citizens from higher paying jobs, home ownership opportunities, and education opportunities still impacts the majority of South Africans today. Statistically speaking, Black households continue to have the highest unemployment as well as the lowest wage rates today — and the fact that historical wealth exists solely in white households means that the majority of our country has been placed at a serious disadvantage.
In the first quarter of 2021, South Africa’s unemployment rate came in at a whopping 32.6%. This is the highest unemployment rate since the first quarter of 2008 recession. Of these 7.2+ million people, Black Africans and the youth are the population groups most affected. Youths between 15 and 24 have an unemployment rate of 63.2%, while youths between 25 and 34 have an unemployment rate of 41.2%. Black Africans experience a rate of 36.5%, and Black African women experience a rate of 38.5% — according to Stats SA and News24. These numbers may seem dismal, but if anything it should reflect how crucial it is to encourage entrepreneurship and the support of local traders.
It takes A LOT to create your own small business. We’re talking trading licenses, tax registrations, sourcing materials, competition from franchises and advertising and marketing fees. Not to mention time, effort and dedication just to cover your cost fees. But you, as a consumer with great purchasing power, can help. Whenever you buy from a Black-Owned Business, you are investing in the economic growth of POCs, and hence the growth of the South African market and GDP in general.
Okay, so how do I support Black-Owned Businesses?
Picture this: It’s month end, and you want to treat yourself. You’ve got some cash to spare, but you’re not sure what you want to spend it on. Maybe some clothes, jewelry, snacks or a little outing in Cape Town. You definitely want to make safe, considerate consumer choices that a) follow BDS standards during the #FreePalestine movement, and b) support the local businesses who are being challenged by level 4 restrictions in South Africa.
So what do you do? Who do you give your money to!?
That Zine has got your back. We’ve compiled four of our favourite local businesses, all of which are Black-Owned, in celebration of Volume 3’s Afrofuturist theme — inspired by Africa Month’s call to support African art, production and trade.
TAI MAI THRIFTS
By thrifting, we are in the pursuit of global environmental sustainability. We like to thrift unique items but still cover all the bases from wardrobe essentials to the more fun, exciting clothes. Our mantra goes : ‘It’s art but you can wear it’.”
— Leah Setai
COSMIC SOULS
“We are all lil cosmic souls navigating life on this planet. And like the universe above, we too are interconnected here below. Cosmic Souls is a jewelry shop making handmade beaded accessories. Each and every piece is made with so much love and positive energy. Our quality beads are sourced locally along the Garden Route and in Stellenbosch.
We live in a fast-paced world where it can sometimes be difficult to stop and catch a breath in order to ease the mind. The process of making each and every Cosmic Soul’s piece began as a way to do just that — ease the mind.
I’m a psychology student at Stellenbosch University and I started making beaded necklaces as a way to cope with all the daily stressors and noise that comes with life. Doing so has provided me with clarity and serenity. A reminder within each and every handmade piece is to breathe throughout all the chaos that life brings.
With love,
From my Cosmic Soul to yours.”
— Zanele Mabena
MOMMA DANK
“Here at Momma Dank we love bud and we love snacking. We aim to make cannabis more accessible to everyone from novice to professional”
— Momma Dank
Check out Momma Dank’s exclusive recipe for Wake and Bake Flapjack Stacks too. It’s scrumptious.
NORTH NORTH SOCIAL CLUB
“North North Social Club is a creative collective and platform based in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. NNSC throws events and gatherings that aim to connect creatives and boost local talent.”
— Andrea Davids and Chuma -Sande Bentele
Check out the online events and discussions which NNSC is also hosting for artists adapting to the pandemic.
Of course it’s important to support all small businesses; what we’re saying is that extra attention and love should be given to the Black-Owned businesses as well, since Black Africans are statistically struggling the most in our economy. It’s all about mindset — it’s the same principle as carrying a reusable cup around and filling it up rather than buying a plastic one every time you’re parched. Next time you have a hankering for a treat, try not to go to a corporate giant. Rather take the extra thirty seconds to do a bit of research on your phone, or on our website. And speaking of cellphones, social media is also a great show of support! Whenever you support a small business (Black-Owned or not), make a post or leave a review so that more people know what to look for and where to find it. It’s up to each and every one of us to do whatever bits we can, so let’s try to encourage each other in the best ways possible.
For more inspiration as to which businesses to support first, check out Black-Owned Cape Town. They describe themselves as ‘a movement to uplift & advocate for Black-owned businesses’ in our City Bowl. Do you have any similar gems you’d like to share with us? Drop us a message on Instagram, or pop us an email at thateclectic@gmail.com
Graphic design by Saarah Anne Fletcher
