GG Alcock was born in Msinga, then one of the most poverty-stricken and violent parts of KwaZulu-Natal, to activist parents Neil and Creina Alcock. They raised their two sons in a mud hut with no running water, electricity, or modern conveniences. The boys learnt the essence of how to survive in a harsh world—valuable skills that contributed to GG’s entrepreneurial success. 

GG has been a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker, African adventurer and successful businessman. In 1999, he founded Minanawe Marketing, an activations business. After selling Minanawe, he founded Kasinomics, an advisory service providing insights, strategies, routes to market and consumer marketing to the informal and kasi consumer and business sectors.

He is a thought leader and commentator on informal economies and societies that comprise the majority of South Africa. He regularly speaks on various topics – including entrepreneurship, the informal market, and diversity and culture.