Johannesburg - Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu today congratulated women who are in business and playing critical roles in growing the country's economy.
Speaking at the 40th Anniversary of Direct Selling Association (DSA) on Wednesday, Sisulu said women had the power to make things happen. She said she had confidence in the abilities of women, adding that men can learn from them.
"The growth of your company means growth of the economy and opportunities for young people," she said.
Sisulu also gave some tips on how to succeed in business. She said building long lasting relationships with clients was vital. "You need to sell your knowledge skilfully and professionally."
On Wednesday, the DSA celebrated 40 years of job creation, income generating and entrepreneurial direct selling opportunities created by its 39 member companies.
Chairman of DSA Richard Clarke said they had tried their best to survive during difficult economic times.
"More than one million South Africans lost their jobs in the past year, yet the economic downturn has assisted the direct selling industry to grow at around twice the rate of the national economic growth figure," he said.
Clarke said member companies of DSA had recruited 80 000 people over the past 12 months.
Total sales by DSA members in South Africa in 2011 amounted to R7.8 million, a growth of 9.9 percent in 2010.
According to research, there are about 85 million involved in direct selling world-wide and globally the industry makes an estimated R132 billion in sales annually.
The World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA), which governs all direct selling associations around the world, estimates that with China liberating its economic policies and India becoming more economically prosperous, some 200 million people will join the industry over the next decade.
