The idea that SA’s townships are desperate slums full of unemployed people is a huge misconception, and a burgeoning kasi economy is quietly on the rise.

The 2022 annual Township CX Report carried out by digital agency Rogerwilco, in partnership with consumer intelligence platform Survey54, sheds light on a vibrant, culture-rich market that is thriving — representing hundreds of billions of rand in spending power. 

The report paints a picture of informal communities that are an eclectic mix of mansions, shacks, spaza shops, rocking taverns, hawkers, taxis and hot wheels. The consumers generally spend within their communities, use food delivery services such as Delivery Ka Speed and Order Kasi that deliver exclusively from township restaurants. They prefer local brands over global names and their recorded use of online buying platform Takealot is higher than the national average. ..