The potential power of voting with your wallet to support the township economy

In our townships, we see many brands popping up everywhere. When you walk from one end to another you see the signage from different brands. 

They’re trying to grab our attention and money. These big brands should be playing a big role in our township economy. But have we thought about the power we hold with our wallets? When we spend money, we’re essentially voting for the brands we support, and the subsequent action is that these brands grow in revenue and market share. This daily choice affects which brands succeed in our communities. It’s not just about politics; it’s about where we invest our hard-earned cash.

I believe it’s crucial to be smart about where we spend our money. Every rand counts, no matter how small. We should support brands that help our local economy grow and benefit everyone in the long run. Too often, we limit the notion of voting to the political arena, casting ballots for parties and representatives. However, every day, with every purchase, we cast another kind of vote, one that shapes the economic landscape of our townships. 

Read more: SA’s unstoppable township economy – incubator of potential, hotbed of innovation

Each rand that passes from our hands to another is a show of support, a vote for the brand that receives it. And let us be unequivocal: this is no trivial matter. These economic votes have elevated brands to positions of dominance, allowing them to capture market share within our communities. As we traverse this terrain, it becomes clear that these brands win our favour for various reasons.

Some tell a story that resonates with our hearts, others pledge impact and inclusion. But have we truly been cognisant of the power we wield? Have we been deliberate in our spending, directing our hard-earned money towards growth that benefits us all? I believe in the philosophy that no sum is too insignificant, no contribution too small. 

Your R10, your R5 — they are the seeds from which the mighty tree of our economy can grow. But it is crucial that these seeds are sown with intention.We must invest in brands that invest in us — those that contribute to the inclusive, long-term prosperity of our townships. It is not enough for corporations to merely extract our resources; they must also embed value within our communities through skills development, equity, and supplier opportunities. 

This is how we can forge an inclusive economy. Here are five simple steps towards building a inclusive economic future:

1. Know your power: your spending choices shape the future of our township economy; spend wisely.


2. Hold brands accountable: brands should do more than just sell to us; they should give back to our township economy in a meaningful and sustainable manner.


3. Support local: back businesses that support our townships; their success is our success.


4. Vote daily: every purchase is a chance to support local brands and make a difference.


5. Choose wisely: pick big corporate brands that support small businesses in our community.