Like it or not, the youth of today is the future. And while Gen Zs may not be facing the same issues as the youth of 1976, that doesn’t mean life doesn’t come with its own challenges. 

Largely, Gen Z is inheriting an incredibly flawed society. Yes, we’re the most technologically advanced we’ve ever been and globalisation has broken down so many virtual barriers. But the South African youth is facing mounting levels of unemployment. 

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate of job-seekers aged 15-24 years old rose to 59.4%. Plus, the advancement of AI is completely changing the job market, in both good ways and bad. And the cost of living is increasing every year, making it harder for people to make ends meet.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Gen Z’s are passionate, with a unique set of skills and perspectives because they’ve grown up in the age of advanced technology. They’ve never known a world without social media, or cellphones, or Netflix. And because of this, they see things we may not see. They grasp concepts faster, and know how to use technology to their advantage. 

The way we communicate, consume media, shop, and live is constantly changing. Because of this, the youth of today need a way to move with these changes in an easy, frictionless way. This is why subscriptions exist. Subscriptions aren't just about convenience—they're about seizing control of your life, staying on top of the trends, and gaining access to the essential parts of our advanced society. 

In honour of Youth Day, we’re looking at how our subscription model can help empower the South African youth to take hold of our rapidly changing society and make it work for them. 

Access is Everything

We’ve evolved past the stage where technology is considered a luxury. If you’re at school, you need a laptop to complete your assignments. You need a phone to communicate with your family and friends. And sometimes you just need a pair of headphones to block out your super loud, annoying neighbours.

You shouldn’t be held back just because you can’t afford these essential items. That’s why we built our brand to give you an abundance of choices quite literally at your fingertips. And what’s more is that we make it easier for you to access these items through our non-credit verification model. 

Our non-credit verification process bypasses the need for traditional credit checks and credit reports, by using our own model to measure financial behaviour. So instead of focusing on how you’ve accrued and serviced debt in the past, we focus on the money you have access to. 

Don't Pay the Price

Apple. Samsung. Hisense. Sony. What do these brands have in common? They’re all at the top of the totem pole. Another similarity? They’re all super expensive. But let’s be real. Having name brands makes you feel a bit more premium. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, you shouldn’t be going into bad credit to get these brands. 

But what if there was a way that you could get these top brands without breaking the bank? Well, that’s where subscriptions come in. With subscriptions, you don’t have to use credit. You simply pay affordable, monthly payments that actually work in your budget. Plus, all of our devices come bundled with Rentoza Protect which covers you against theft, loss, or damage. 

Another bonus? We deliver our products free of charge, and we don’t charge you any penalty fees for changing your subscription. Now, why would you buy when you could subscribe? 

Freedom to Choose 

We get it. Things change. Life is unpredictable, especially when you’re young. Circumstances can change at the drop of a hat, which is why we’re all about flexibility. 

With Rentoza, you're not tied down by long-term contracts or hefty upfront costs – simply subscribe to the device you want for as long as you need it, and return it when you're ready for a change. 

You can also decide the subscription term that works best for you and your wallet. Got a year long subscription but don’t want your item anymore? Saw the new iPhone dropped but you’ve still got the iPhone 11? Fear not. You can update your subscription however you want, whenever you want. No strings attached. This flexibility makes it easier for you to roll with the punches that life throws your way. 

Thinking About the Environment

Listen, we gotta think about the future too. And it’s not looking that bright, what with climate change, the melting ice caps and all that jazz. 

Did you know that e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in South Africa? Every South African citizen generates 6-7kg of e-waste every year, and only a small fraction of that is being formally recycled. That’s crazy.

We need to take steps to reduce the negative impact we’re leaving on the world. That’s why Rentoza’s business is based on a circular economy model that gives new life to old products to extend their life cycle and thus reduce e-waste. 

How? Well, once you’re done with the device you’ve subscribed to, you give the product back to us and we refurbish it so that the next person can subscribe to it. This means that the device has another life cycle, and isn’t just going to end up in a landfill. This cuts down on e-waste, making it a better move for the environment.

The future is scary, but it doesn’t have to be. The youth of today are smart and capable. And with subscriptions by their side, they can grow and develop into the capable adults we need. 

Commitment is messy. Just Rentoza it.