IDENTIFY AND DEFINE A BUSINESS PROBLEM

POOR MUNICIPAL SERVICE DELIVERY (ALEXANDRA)

“Residents of Alexandra protest against poor municipal service delivery , demanding better
infrastructure ,waste management , and basic service ‘.

Children playing near piles of uncollected garbage in Alexandra . This reflects health risks
caused by poor waste collection services.

This image depicts raw sewage flowing through the streets of ALEXANDRA
highlighting the severe sanitation issues faced by residents due to inadequate
municipal services.

1.2 PROBLEM DESCRIBE

RESIDENTS OF ALEXANDRA PROTESTS AGAINST POOR MUNICIPAL
SERVICE DELIVERY

• The image in section 1.1 shows residents of Alexandra protesting in the

streets. The main problem being depicted is the POOR MUNICIPAL
SERVICE DELIVERY provided by the City of Johannesburg. This includes
failures such as uncollected waste, irregular refuse removal, water supply
issues, poor sanitations, and a lack of proper housing infrastructure.

• This problem occurred in ALEXANDRA township, a densely populated area

located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Such protest, like the one shown,
typically occur when service delivery fails for extended periods. This issues
often worsen during times of heavy rain, which exposes poor drainage and
infrastructure. This situation is made more frustrating by announcements of
municipal plans that do not address local concerns of local residents..

• The protest took place in November last year (2024), when community
members, frustrated by ongoing neglect and poor living conditions, gathered
to demand improvements in basic services. The protest was triggered by
months of inaction and worsening conditions, especially after heavy rains that
exposed the failing drainage and sanitation systems.

• The stakeholders involved in this issue include the residents of Alexandra,

who are directly affected and have taken to the streets to voice their concerns.
The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan is responsible for service delivery and
is at the centre of the community’s dissatisfaction. Local ward councillors and
community leaders are expected to represent the needs of residents but are
often seen as ineffective. Community-based organizations and activists
support and sometimes organize the protests to amplify local voices. Law
enforcement authorities, such as the South African Police Service and
Johannesburg Metro Police Department, are involved during protest events to
manage crowds and maintain order. Finally, national government
departments, especially those handling housing, sanitation, and infrastructure,
 are stakeholders because they provide oversight and funding for service
delivery programs.

• This is a serious problem because it affects the daily lives, health, and dignity
of the people living in Alexandra. Poor municipal service delivery results in
health hazards due to uncollected waste, sewage leaks, and poor sanitation.
It also causes major disruptions to education and employment, as both
protests and service interruptions interfere with daily routines. The ongoing
neglect has led to public frustration and rising social unrest, increasing
tensions between the community and local authorities. Additionally, protests
can lead to damage of public infrastructure and property. Most importantly,
there is a growing loss of trust in government and local authorities, who are
viewed as failing to address the community’s basic needs. The protest is a
clear indication and a call for urgent and lasting solutions to improve service
delivery in Alexandra.

1.3 SOLUTION

ENTREPRENEURIAL SOLUTION

• DESCRIBE THE PRODUCT

I would start a small waste collection and recycling business in Alexandra.
The idea is to use local people and simple tools like carts or trolleys to collect
garbage from homes and business regulargly . These service would also
teach residents how to separate their waste and offer small rewards for
recyling.

• TARGET MARKET
This service is aimed at the residents of Alexandra, with a focus on people
living in informal settlements where proper waste collection is often ignored by
the government. These areas are usually overcrowded and have limited
access to basic services, making waste management a serious issue.The
sevice would also be helpful for small businesses , spaza shop, and street
vendors who generate daily waste but don’t have reliable ways to dispose of
 it. By serving both households and local businesses, the service can make a
bigger impact across the community.

• IDEAL OUTCOME
The main goal of this project is to create a cleaner and healthier environment
for the people of Alexandra. When waste is collected regularly and managed
properly, it helps prevent the spread of diseases caused by dirty
surroundings, such as cholera or respiratory infections. A cleaner community
also improves the overall quality of life, making it a safer and more pleasant
place to live. Another important outcome is job creation. By hiring local
residents to help with waste collection and recycling , the project can provide
a source of income and help fight unemployment. Over time, this service
could help build a sense of pride and responsibility among community
members. If successful, the idea could be shared with other townships facing
similar problems, becoming a model for how communities can take charge
and solve their own service delivery isues.

• UNIQUE VALUES
What makes me the right person to offer this solution is my personal
understanding of the struggles people face in Alexandra. I’ve seen firsthand
how poor service delivery affects everyday life-overflowing bins, bad smells,
and health problems caused by uncollected waste. Because I am part of this
community ,I know how to speak to people, gain their trust , and work with
them to make things better. My solution is not just about making money; it’s
about improving living conditions, creating jobs, and giving people hope that
change is possible. I believe that when a solution is built by someone who
truly cares and understands local challenges, it has a much better chance of
success .I want to prove that young people from Alexandra can step up, take
action, and lead the way in solving real problems.

• POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
There are several challenges I might face while triying to start and grow this
business. One of the biggest problems is a lack of funding for starting a waste
collection service requires money for equipment like carts, bins, uniforms, and
safety gear, as well as marketing to let people know about the service.
Another challenge is building trust with the community.Some residents might
be unsure about paying for a service they feel the government should
provide,or they may doubt that a small, locally run business can be
realible.There’s also the issue of where to dispose of the waste after collection
-if I don’t have access to an official dumping site,the project might struggle to
operate legally and safety .Additionaly, there’s the risk that the local
government might see the business as competition or interfere with its
operations, especially if it exposes their failure to deliver services. These
challenges are real, but with proper planning, community support, and
persistance, Ibelieve they can be overcome.

1.3 SIMVENTURE
2.2.SELECTED IDEA

2. 1.1. Market Size

My target market consists of around 60 households in my local area. These are
families and individuals who currectly do not have regular or reliable waste collection
services. I identified this number by observing the community and speaking to some
residents about the need for better waste management. Starting with 60 households
is realistic and manageable, and it gives me a strong foundation to build on as the
business grows.
2.2.2 Pricing
I plan to charge a reasonable monthly fee of R60 per household. This price is
affordable for most residents and is fair considering the cost of equipment, transport,
and time. I chose this amount based on what people in the commmunity are willing
to pay, as well as by comparing similar informal or private waste services in nearby
areas. Keeping the price low but sustainable helps me attract more customers while
still covering expenses.
2.2.3 Excitement
What excites me most about this idea is that it solves a real problem in my
community -poor waste management. I’m passionate about keeping the environment
clean and helping people live in healthier, safer spaces. Starting this business
means I can make a positive difference while also creating a source of income for
myself.

3. REFLECTION SUMMARY
Experience - My experience with the Simventure similation was eye- opening. It
was my first time running a virtual business , and I enjoyed learing how different
parts of a business work together. I had to make decisions about things like
marketing, pricing, and managing money, which made me feel like a real business
owner.
Challenge – At first ,I found it hard to manage all the responsibilities. One of the
biggest challenges was making sure the business made enough money while
keeping costs low. I also struggled with choosing the right marketing strategy
because I wasn’t sure what would attract customers
Gained – Even through it was difficult at times, I now understand how important
planning , budgeting, and good decision – making are in business. The simulation
also taught me to think critically and stay calm under pressure.Overall, it was a great
learning experience that gave me confidence to work on business ideas in the future.