In many cases, the digital economy presents a perceived lifeline for families who are struggling to make ends meet
However, the government needs to change archaic policies to make them entrepreneur-friendly in order to boost economic development and job creation
The looting and violence has shown that South Africa is yet to realise hybrid and diverse economies in which micro-businesses can co-exist alongside large businesses and shopping malls in equal competitive terms
Successes and failures from other initiative such as the European Union will be instructive, but much work must be done before the African Continental Trade Area becomes a reality