Herman Mashaba says township economy must prioritise citizens
Mashaba says township traders and small business owners deserve priority in economic programmes, not favours but fair chances to succeed.
ActionSA’s mayoral hopeful for Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, underscored the importance of township economies in the city’s broader recovery during his Real State of the City Address at the AlexSan Kopano Resource Centre in Alexandra on Wednesday.
Mashaba said township economy opportunities and support programmes must prioritise South African citizens and lawful residents striving to build businesses, support families, and contribute to their communities.
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He described Johannesburg as a city that has historically symbolised hope and opportunity, attracting millions in search of work, dignity, safety, and a better future. Yet today, many residents and businesses face mounting challenges, including unreliable infrastructure, rising costs, and deteriorating conditions that stifle economic activity.
Small business owners, township traders, and informal entrepreneurs, Mashaba noted, are fighting daily to survive under difficult circumstances. “They are not asking the government for favours. They are asking for a fair opportunity to work, trade, and grow their businesses safely and legally,” he said.
Mashaba called for the relaunch and expansion of the Inner-City Revitalisation Programme, recalling his administration’s release of 154 city-owned properties for redevelopment, which unlocked more than R32b in private investment and created thousands of housing and job opportunities.
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Turning to townships, he emphasised ActionSA’s belief that economic opportunities must prioritise citizens, through measures such as supporting local entrepreneurs, formalising informal trading, reducing barriers, and rebuilding township economies. He linked this to restoring dignity for residents, stressing the need for title deeds for families and quality services across all communities.
Mashaba framed township economies as central to Johannesburg’s recovery, alongside infrastructure improvements, financial management, and law and order. He said this would help restore the city’s role as South Africa’s economic engine, enabling residents and lawful contributors to participate more effectively in economic activity.
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