The Direct Selling Association recently announced that the direct sales industry grew at a faster pace than the overall U.S. economy in 2011. Direct sales is flourishing in other parts of the world, as well, which indicates that the sales model will become increasingly important as the global economy stabilizes from recent setbacks and evolves for the 21st century.

At the 40th Anniversary event of the Direct Selling Association of South Africa, which took place on May 23, Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu spoke of the positive impact direct selling has had on unemployment levels in South Africa, creating thousands of jobs particularly for youth and women.

The local industry has been recruiting roughly 100,000 people a year, despite the recession status of the global economy. Furthermore, 86 percent of people working in direct sales in South Africa are women.

In her address Sisulu said, “Direct selling is one of the [most] innovative ideas that retail had ever experienced at the time of its launch. It has created opportunities that have freed women from the bonds that tied them to their homes and encouraged equality between the sexes.”

As summarized by news source iafrica, the direct selling industry allows participants to improve their skills, encourages an entrepreneurial culture, and instills strict ethical standards.