Merchants Brings Jobs and Hope to Alexandra

Merchants, a South African business process outsourcing (BPO) company, has recently launched a new call center hub in Alexandra Township. This initiative, a collaboration with Amandla Social Enterprises and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), aims to uplift the community by creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

Alexandra Township, one of South Africa’s most impoverished areas, will benefit significantly from this new venture. By strategically locating the call center in the township, Merchants hopes to empower local talent and stimulate economic development.

A key highlight of the initiative is the emphasis on hiring from historically disadvantaged communities. A staggering 96% of the call center agents come from these communities, with 83% previously unemployed. Additionally, 78% of the agents are impact-sourced, and 70% were hired directly from Alexandra Township.

Mathew Conn, Chief Revenue Officer at Merchants, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Through our partnership with Amandla and DBSA, we’re redefining employment by bringing job opportunities directly to the community, hiring locally, and creating meaningful careers that uplift and empower residents.”

The Alexandra hub aligns with the DBSA’s DLAB Programme, which focuses on providing young people with access to economic opportunities and fostering innovation. By investing in partnerships that improve livelihoods, the DBSA aims to unlock human potential and drive economic growth.

Merchants’ participation in this project demonstrates its commitment to impact sourcing, a business model that prioritizes local jobs and community development. By partnering with Amandla and DBSA, Merchants is contributing to the growth of the Alexandra economy, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting holistic education and skills development.

Mathew Conn further emphasized the potential of township hubs, stating, “We believe that township hubs are the future of employment, and we’re proud to lead this movement toward a more inclusive, empowered future for all.”