GG Alcock: Economic Activist

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • GG is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author who decodes South Africa’s informal economy.
  • Zulu reared and bred, the boys learnt the essence of how to survive in a harsh world – valuable skills that have undoubtedly contributed to GG’s success as an entrepreneur.
  • GG has been at times a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker, African adventurer and successful businessman.
  • He is fluent in Zulu and conversant in most South African ethnic languages.

Formats:
Audiences:
Outcomes:
Reading time: 3 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Johannesburg

Keynote Topics

The journey from a Zulu tribal society to a modern world, the inspiring story and lessons of a poor goat herd and stickfighter on the pathway to becoming an African marketer and successful entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurship African Style – business & opportunities created and inspired by an intimate understanding of unique African philosophies, cultures & lifestyles.

Marketing to African Consumers – understanding & communicating to a modern African Consumer, with best practice case studies of some of the most successful marketing campaigns of the decade.

The economics of informal economies & the massive economic opportunities of our invisible African economies.

Diversity & Transformation – tribe, race, culture and modern Africans. Immersing and connecting with diverse and little known people of our society.

Talent Short Bio

GG Alcock was born in Msinga, then one of the most poverty-stricken and violent parts of KwaZulu-Natal. GG’s activist parents, Neil and Creina Alcock, raised their two sons in a mud hut with no running water, electricity or modern conveniences and they grew up like young Zulu boys. Zulu reared and bred, the boys learnt the essence of how to survive in a harsh world – valuable skills that have undoubtedly contributed to GG’s success as an entrepreneur.

GG Alcock

GG has been at times a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker, African adventurer and successful businessman. He is fluent in Zulu and conversant in most South African ethnic languages. In 1999, GG founded Minanawe Marketing, an activations business which pioneered marketing to township and informal mass markets in South Africa.

After selling Minanawe, GG founded Kasinomics, an advisory service providing insights, strategies, route-to-market and consumer marketing to the informal kasi consumer and business sectors. Kasinomics is also invested in several township and informal sector focused startups.

GG Alcock considers himself an Economic Activist, excavating the silence and opening eyes to the invisible economies of our cities, kasi’s and rural homelands. He advocates for government and formal business sector recognition, support, empowerment and consideration of the informal economy and the kasipreneurs who represent the future for our economic growth.

GG’s book ‘KasiNomics: African Informal Economies and the People Who Inhabit Them’ casts a light on the invisible matrix at the heart of South Africa’s informal economies and the people who live in them. KasiNomics takes you down rural pathways, weaves between claustrophobic mazes of shacks and joins gogo in a stokvel, among many more people and places.

GG’s next book, ‘KasiNomic Revolution: African Informal Economies’, explores the revolution taking place in the great marketplaces of the informal sector. The informal business sector is the next great frontier of Africa and it is undergoing an economic revolution – a new world of small people doing big things and transforming the continent. The future of African economic activity.

You may have read GG Alcock’s books about the kasi economy, his book; ‘Born White Zulu Bred’ tells his story and that of many of his people – a literary journey of a third world tribal society following his journey from the mud hut he was raised in and the tribal forces that shaped him, to the dynamic world of KasiNomics.

GG Alcock is a thought leader and commentator on the trends and dynamics of the informal economies and societies which make up the majority of South Africa. He is a regular speaker on a range of topics, from from business to motivational to trend talks on subjects including entrepreneurship, the informal market, diversity and culture, marketing communications to the mass market, and the route-to-market strategies for the informal sector.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

Talent Resources to download

Speaker Gallery

Author Books | Magazine Covers | Movies

Kasinomics

Kasinomics will take you down those rural pathways, weave between claustrophobic mazes of shacks, browse a muti market, visit a spirit returning ceremony and save money with gogo in a stokvel, among many more people and places.

Third-World-Child

His story in Third World Child is one of heartbreak and tragedy and, paradoxically, of vibrant hope and compassion. A restless energy and sardonic humour permeate his writing, which is compelling in its honesty and spontaneity.

Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

Rehema Isa is a strategic leadership keynote speaker and business strategist helping organisations shape future-focused strategy, build high-performance teams, and communicate with clarity through impactful storytelling.
  • Business Strategy
Ayanda Thabethe is a South African television host, entrepreneur and model who empowers audiences with her expertise in branding, media leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
  • African Entrepreneur
Noni Gasa is a leading South African media and fashion authority whose polished, charismatic emcee style elevates corporate events with insight, professionalism and unmatched industry credibility.
  • Celebrity Emcee
DJ Suga, trailblazing South African radio presenter and live entertainer, brings high-energy DJ sets, MC hosting, and unforgettable event experiences.
  • Mobile DJ
Global health and performance expert helping leaders and teams transform stress into resilience, productivity, and sustainable high performance.
  • Health Performance
Tech leader and innovator who helps organizations harness digital transformation, fintech solutions, and product strategy to scale responsibly in Africa.
  • Digital Innovation
Kgadi Mmanakana is a visionary keynote speaker on employee engagement, leadership, and innovation, empowering organizations to embrace change and thrive.
  • Employee Engagement
Brendon Peel is a world-class mentalist and magician who blends illusion, psychology, and humor to create unforgettable corporate entertainment experiences.
  • Mentalist
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

speakers inc
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.