According to the summit, discretionary spend is much higher than official figures state because between three and four million people are undeclared informal contractors and they have a lot of disposable cash.

Further insights state that the rise of entrepreneurs is often supported by enlightened corporates. The summit adds that the rapidly increasing number of township malls is witness to increasing spend, and yet the convenience of roughly 200 000 spazas is still a potent force. The question remains, however, how long this will be the case? 

Seven major research studies will be announced at the conference. According to the summit, the rising black middle class is a potent force but they may not live in the townships. However, much of their social life is in the townships and they contribute a lot of black tax.

Research announcements and insights at the summit will include:
  • 'Unique and authoritative analysis of township entrepreneurs: A rising force, a high disposable income' — Andrew Charman, Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation
  • 'Higher LSM'ers: The rising middle class as the potent force, where they spend on what and lifestyle influences' — Lebo Motshegoa, Foshizi
  • 'Top 10 townships: Astute test marketing in carefully selected townships' — Kabelo Ncholo, YOURSELF Management
  • 'Township food shopping: Fresh and cooked food, retail competitive analysis and emergence of niche markets' — Andrew Charman, Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation
  • 'Bulk grocery buying stokvels: What brands do they prefer and why? The latest research' — Ninky Shuenyane, CNZ Marketing Solutions
  • 'BLACK TAX": 2019 perspective and predictions 2020+' — Thato Tshabalala, Joe Public consumer insights division
  • 'Lower LSM spend cutbacks and changing priorities' — Gill Mkhasibe, The Mkhasibe Group
As well as:
  • 'Generation Z: Staying relevant to skeptical youth — digitally active, opinionated and impatient'
  • 'Activation marketing integrating the human touch and digital'
  • '16 proven township marketers talk pragmatic sense and experiences' 
Individuals can click to register here. The full programme for the summit can be viewed here. 

For more information, visit www.marketingmixconferences.co.za.