It is clear to most that South Africa has many social problems. Crime, poverty and corruption are just a few examples. However, there are two particular issues which are at the roots of all others: unemployment and education. These issues hinder the management of all other social problems and one causes the other in a seemingly perpetual loop. Quite simply, for South Africa to succeed in the future, these two issues must be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
The gamified system I propose is one of entrepreneurship. The unemployed must not wait for the government to help them, for if they do, they might be jobless for a long time. Indeed, these individuals must empower themselves and what better way to do that than to run your own business? Through this game, people will learn the skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur, while developing the knowledge required.
This game will give users weekly ‘quests’ that are goals which assist them in starting their business. For example, users will be told to assess the weekly costs of running their business versus its income. Each time a user completes a quest, they will receive points, which help them unlock new quests. Users will be encouraged to form groups while embarking on these quests. Forming a group will net double points at the end of the quest. In addition, more co-founders means less work and more success!
Users will be encouraged to discuss their business ideas and problems in the game with other users. Players will ascribe each idea with a point value, which then is added to the player’s tally. Thus, users are able to test out the viability of ideas. Through gaining these points, players will level up to a new entrepreneur title, from ‘beginner’ to ‘business magnet’, for example. As player’s reach higher tallies, they will unlock the ability to do more on the forum. In addition, a certain tally of points will unlock a real place at a short entrepreneurship course in their province. Through using this game, users will begin to build their business and will potentially achieve the opportunity to advance their entrepreneurship skills.
This solution will change SA for the better by empowering the very individuals the education system has failed. Through the reduction of unemployment, other social problems will begin to improve through a ripple effect.