The poor, the unemployed, the homeless, elderly, sick, disabled and marginalised — in short, the vulnerable of our society — benefit from the publication of ZA Difference. Ultimately, though, we all benefit from living in a kinder, more tolerant, more compassionate and more respectful world.

1. The unemployed : Job creation

• ZA Difference creates jobs for unskilled, unemployed people. The magazine is available to be sold on the street anywhere in the country. Sellers make R10 per copy sold. (Compare this to R1.50 per copy earned for most other publications sold on street corners.) 75 — 100% of beneficiaries are historically disadvantaged.
• A “Business-in-a-box” entrepreneurial opportunity is available for churches, charities, retirement homes, chambers of commerce, stokvels and entrepreneurs interested in generating income for themselves, as well as for unemployed members of their communities. Although facilitating organisations do not earn anything, they can delight in the fact they are enabling their members to earn R10 per copy sold. 75% + of ultimate beneficiaries are historically disadvantaged.
• Freelance payment and artistic exposure for budding writers, photographers and artists. ZA Difference pays for anything published, as follows: R1.50 per word for letters; R2.00 per word for articles; R150 per photograph. We also publish the contributor’s contact information, effectively creating a free advertisement for the skill and knowledge displayed. At least 50% + of beneficiaries are historically disadvantaged.
• Professional jobs. ZA Difference will eventually employ approximately 12 to 15 people on a full-time basis. At any given time, 75% + of employees will be historically disadvantaged.
• Internships are made available as a matter of policy. 85 — 100% of interns are historically disadvantaged.

2. The isolated : Accessible Information

• Critical information is made available in print for the 90% of South Africans who do not have Internet access. Each issue of the magazine contains a Resource Directory that carries information about programmes, projects and services that help individuals, families and communities break free from the cycle of poverty. Listing categories include skills development, unemployment, self-employment, health, crisis support, human rights and community development. This is the only printed directory of its kind available in South Africa. 75% + of beneficiaries are poor or otherwise marginalised.
• Practical solutions. The magazine explores practical options for action for all involved: people who are poor but would like to create a better life for themselves; concerned onlookers who want to help make a difference; affected communities; businesses and policy makers. People who stand to gain the most are poor or otherwise marginalised, though the practical nature of advice will be of benefit to anyone who implements the suggestions.
• Exposure for other non-profits: The magazine promotes the activities and offerings of organisations working towards the common good. Listings are free to non-governmental, non-profit organisations that subscribe to the magazine. 75% + of ultimate beneficiaries of NPO activities are historically disadvantaged.
• Targeted advertising exposure to CSI projects, local, regional and national government projects and services, as well as businesses with products and services that offer solutions to the problems of poverty — such as wind-up radios, hand-tools, solar lights, cost-effective and nutritionally-dense food for people with immune-deficiency diseases, etc. 75% + of ultimate beneficiaries are historically disadvantaged.
• Free distribution to historically disadvantaged, rural communities. Unsold copies of the magazine are distributed, free of charge and in partnership with chambers of commerce, as well as mining, transportation and faith-based organisations, after the “sell-by” date, to underprivileged, rural communities. Up to 100% of beneficiaries are historically disadvantaged.

3. The voiceless : Being heard

• Diverse representation: ZA Difference an opportunity to all South Africans to tell their story … or their take on the story. Articles, poems, letters and photographs are invited from ordinary readers of all races and backgrounds, from all across the country. Of all external contributions received, we endeavour to publish at least 50% from historically disadvantaged contributors in each issue.
• Awareness. The magazine does what no other publication out there does: It addresses the issues of marginalization and vulnerability, whether caused by poverty, disability, illness, gender, age, race or geographic location, and highlights the way in which all of our lives are affected. It does so in a manner that is meaningful to affluent, mainstream society, as well as to marginalized people. It gives each side of the divide a glimpse of the other and fosters empathy, tolerance and cooperation among all South Africans. The biggest benefit is to people who have been marginalised throughout the history of our country: ‘non-whites’.

4. All of us : Understanding, respect, peace.

• Cultural diversity. The magazine celebrates our multiple cultures, languages and ways of doing things. It honours the achievements of those who transcend dire circumstances to create a better life for themselves, their families and their communities. All of us will benefit from knowing and understanding more about our fellow South Africans. The biggest benefit, however, is to historically disadvantaged and minority cultures, values, traditions and achievements that have been largely ignored by the dominant culture.