Day: 24 September 2024

Amazon’s Shop Mzansi: A New Era for South African Entrepreneurs Amazon.co_.za-launch-Durban-closeup

Amazon’s Shop Mzansi: A New Era for South African Entrepreneurs

Staff Writer Posted on 1 week ago

In a significant boost for South African businesses, Amazon has launched Shop Mzansi, a new storefront dedicated to promoting local products and celebrating South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit. The platform features a variety of goods from independent sellers across the country, offering these businesses a unique opportunity to expand their reach both locally and globally.

This initiative comes at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa are facing numerous challenges, from economic instability to limited access to international markets. Shop Mzansi aims to address these hurdles by providing a digital platform where sellers can showcase their products to millions of customers, both in South Africa and beyond.

Supporting Local Businesses

The storefront includes a wide array of products from different sectors, including home and kitchen appliances, outdoor and braai essentials, toys, beauty products, and more. According to Robert Koen, Managing Director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, the goal of Shop Mzansi is to celebrate the innovative spirit of South African entrepreneurs. With more than 160 local brands featured, the platform is not only promoting homegrown talent but also helping these businesses thrive in the digital economy.

Local sellers, such as Heartfelt, a job creation initiative in Makapanstad that produces handcrafted felt toys and accessories, are among those benefiting from this new platform. “We are beyond excited to take this next step together with Amazon,” said Heartfelt co-founders Martha Letsoalo and Julie Hadley. The exposure Shop Mzansi provides will allow them to scale their business, create more jobs, and continue contributing to their local community.

Another seller, Tiger Lily Tots, specializes in baby and toddler accessories. Founder Sam Olivier highlighted the value of the partnership with Amazon, expressing her enthusiasm for reaching a wider audience. Tiger Lily Tots also donates a portion of its sales to charitable causes, adding a social impact dimension to its business.

Creating Jobs and Empowering Communities

Shop Mzansi also underscores Amazon’s commitment to job creation and skills development in Africa. King Kong Leather, a Cape Town-based brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur John Ebako, exemplifies how businesses can empower underprivileged communities. By selling their handcrafted leather goods on Amazon, King Kong Leather aims to expand their reach and employ more skilled artisans, directly contributing to economic upliftment.

John’s vision goes beyond profits—he sees his business as a vehicle for training unskilled Africans and providing them with meaningful employment opportunities. This philosophy of “paying it forward” is echoed by many other businesses on Shop Mzansi, showcasing the power of entrepreneurship in transforming lives.

A Platform for Growth and Innovation

Amazon’s Shop Mzansi is more than just a marketplace—it’s a platform for growth. By providing tools like Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA), which handles storage, packing, and shipping, and offering data analytics to help sellers improve their performance, the platform ensures that independent sellers have everything they need to succeed in the competitive world of e-commerce.

Additionally, as Suzelle Abe, Head of Amazon Marketplace for Sub-Saharan Africa, noted, the storefront provides local sellers with an opportunity to expand beyond South Africa’s borders. Sellers can tap into global Amazon stores, further positioning South African businesses for long-term success in the international marketplace.

Celebrating South Africa’s Heritage and Future

The launch of Shop Mzansi is perfectly timed with National Heritage Day, a day when South Africans celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds. This curated storefront, dedicated to local entrepreneurs, is a fitting tribute to South Africa’s rich heritage and its bright future. By promoting small businesses, Shop Mzansi not only helps preserve traditional crafts and local products but also positions them within a modern, global framework.

From Lusikisiki to Parys, from Durban to Thembisa, Shop Mzansi is for South Africans, by South Africans. It represents a new chapter in the digital economy, offering local entrepreneurs a chance to shine on one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms.

Visit the Shop Mzansi storefront at www.amazon.co.za/shopmzansi or download the Amazon Shopping app to explore the unique offerings from South African businesses.

Source: IOL News

The Best Sides to Serve at Your Next Braai: Mouthwatering Recipes to Try barbecued-vegetables-meat-outside-picnic2700686103767042170

The Best Sides to Serve at Your Next Braai: Mouthwatering Recipes to Try

tshepisosishuba Posted on 1 week ago

When it comes to South African culture, few things are as iconic as a “braai.” Known for grilling or cooking over coals or an open flame, the braai is a time-honored tradition that brings friends and family together. While the focus is often on the meat sizzling on the grill, the sides served alongside are just as important to complete the feast. Whether you’re looking for fresh salads, flavorful breads, or delicious sides, here are some of the best dishes to elevate your next braai.

1. Avocado Braai Salad

This refreshing salad is the perfect blend of creaminess and zest, making it a crowd-pleaser at any braai.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients for the Dressing:

¼ cup honey

¼ cup cider vinegar

¼ cup poppy seeds

Ingredients for the Salad:

1 red onion, sliced

6 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced

2 naartjies, broken into segments

100g caramelized pecan nuts.

Method:

1. Combine the honey, cider vinegar, and poppy seeds in a screw-top bottle to make the dressing. Shake to mix well.

2. Marinate the sliced red onion in the dressing for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Arrange the avocados, naartjies, and pecan nuts on a platter, then drizzle the marinated onions and dressing over the salad.

4. Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant accompaniment to your braai.

Recipe courtesy of the South African Avocado Growers’ Association.

2. Sharmeen Inarman’s Cornbread

This moist, cheesy cornbread adds a rich, comforting touch to any braai table.

Ingredients:

1 can sweetcorn or 2 grated mealies

2 eggs

250g butter

250g cheddar

Chopped chillies to taste

Salt to taste

1.5 cups self-raising flour

Milk (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C.

2. Mix all the ingredients into a firm batter. Add milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.

3. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy!

3. Siba Mtongana’s Potato Salad

A braai isn’t complete without a creamy, tangy potato salad, and Siba Mtongana’s version brings a refreshing twist.

Ingredients:

1kg Jersey Royals or Cornish New potatoes

4 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tbsp wholegrain mustard

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ lemon (juice only)

Salad onions, finely sliced

8 pickled cucumbers, chopped

1 tbsp Nonpareille capers, drained

25g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

20g tarragon leaves, finely chopped

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice.

3. Drain the potatoes, reserving 2 tbsp of the cooking liquid. Halve the potatoes and toss them in the mayonnaise mixture.

4. Once cool, stir in the remaining ingredients and season to taste.

4. Angela Day’s Biltong Garlic Scrolls

Soft, doughy scrolls filled with savory biltong and garlic are an irresistible addition to any braai spread.

Makes: 16-18

Ingredients for the Filling:

125g butter, softened

15ml chopped garlic

250ml finely grated biltong

125ml chopped parsley

Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon

Ingredients for the Dough:

4 cups self-raising flour

10g sachet instant yeast

15ml sugar

10ml salt

45ml olive oil

300-400ml warm water

Method:

1. Mix the filling ingredients and set aside.

2. Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add olive oil and warm water to form a soft dough.

3. Knead the dough, then let it rise until doubled in size.

4. Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread with the filling.

5. Roll the dough and cut into 3cm thick slices, arranging them in a greased oven pan.

6. Let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes, then bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes.

5. Microwave Volcano Mealie Bread

For a quick, flavorful bread option, this microwave mealie bread offers convenience without sacrificing taste.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

420g tin cream-style sweetcorn

2 eggs

1 tbsp sunflower oil

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

2 cups self-raising flour

1 cup cheddar, grated

Method:

1. Combine the sweetcorn, eggs, oil, sugar, and salt. Stir in the self-raising flour.

2. Pour the batter into a 21cm silicone ring cake mold.

3. Microwave for 8 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the bread comes out clean.

4. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top and microwave for 3 minutes until melted.

Whether you’re planning a casual braai with friends or a family get-together, these sides and salads are sure to be a hit. From the refreshing avocado salad to the comforting cornbread and savory biltong scrolls, each dish brings something unique to the table.

Source: IOL News