Social Entrepreneurship: Micro traders

The SANZAF Micro Traders Programme supports unemployed individuals in our community. The programme assists the poor to earn an income and develop practical experience in informal trade. The traders purchase bags of second-hand clothing from SANZAF for a minimal fee and then go on to sell the clothing to consumers. The idea is that through the programme the poor will regain their dignity, develop experiential business knowledge and be motivated to start their own businesses. The programme currently supports 35 traders and has collected and distributed over 21 tons of clothing.

The Micro Traders programme is open to all and individuals may join the programme at any time. SANZAF’s biggest challenge is to collect enough clothing to sustain the programme. We have established clothing drives at schools. These drives will benefit the poor by creating employment opportunities as well as allow end users to access affordable clothing. In addition, these drives will encourage responsible citizenship among the students and create an eco-friendly mindset – where unwanted clothing is reused rather than discarded.

SANZAF’s biggest challenge is to collect enough clothing to sustain the programme. Readers are therefore urged to assist with donations or by spreading the word to family and friends. One may contact our Fordsburg branch at 011-834 6046