Community Business Owners aims to boost Edenvale economy

With 2025 in full swing, the NEWS met with one of the founders of the Community Business Owners (CBO) initiative to gain insight into Edenvale’s economic situation.

The first chapter, located in Edenvale, was formed in 2021 by Andrew Wainwright, with help from Alistair Gordon during the immediate after-effects of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The CBO aims to uplift the community and improve and drive the economy forward while promoting economic growth and helping develop local economies.

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According to Andrew, Edenvale plays a central role in the City of Ekurhuleni.

“The town is bordered beautifully on the border of Johannesburg and the East Rand.

“Compared to Johannesburg and surrounding towns, Edenvale does not suffer from major problems such as frequent and prolonged power or water outages.”

With Edenvale being centrally located to the airport and surrounded by major transport networks, Andrew said it makes perfect sense for a business to be based in the area.

He explained that because Edenvale is located in a transport hub, businesses can be accessed from almost any direction.

“Over the years the CBD migrated to the Greenstone and Stoneridge areas but businesses in the CBD are taking the area back bit by bit.

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“With improvements being made in the CBD, it speaks of businesses wanting to stay, improve and beautify the town.”

He emphasised that Edenvale has a strong public and private partnership

“There are public officials who are trying to get Edenvale back to its glory days and good private participation stepping up to help.”

He said the town is ripe to go to the next level explaining that the strong public and private relationship appears to be building a solid foundation that businesses can grow on.

“Edenvale is a beautiful place for a small to medium-sized business, it has all of the attractions for SMEs. There are relatively safe neighbourhoods, services provided and good schools.”

Besides this Andrew said the town has an ethos that very few towns in Ekurhuleni have.

“It’s more than just a feeling or spirit, it is an ethos which brings community members together; community members proudly unite under the banner of the Vale.”

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Andrew said that although the external and global economy is something Edenvale cannot address, the various positives about the town make Edenvale one of the prime towns for small, medium, and micro businesses.

“There are uncertainties from an economic situation that are always going to exist. It is, therefore, how businesses use their resources, network with others, and take the ethos of Edenvale which determines how successful they are,” said Andrew.

Discussing the stability of Edenvale’s economy, Andrew said in his opinion he believes it is stable. He said businesses located across the town, no matter the area, appear to be thriving.

“We still seeing engagement from businesses, and the SMEs that I interact with still have a positive outlook for the year. Owners are still looking at growing their businesses.”

Andrew explained that even though there seems to be a positive trend among businesses, the elections in 2024 brought some uncertainty.

He said some of this uncertainty has carried over into the new year.

“This uncertainty has to do with the recent American presidential election victory by Donald Trump, South Africa’s association with the BRICS economic bloc and figuring out where the country fits into the global community.”

Andrew said from an Edenvale perspective, businesses and community members are going to continue doing what they do.

“The resilient ethos of Edenvale shines through, people and business owners will make it, they won’t fake it. I think people want Edenvale to work as the underlying ethos forms a big part of community growing.”

He said by working in collaboration and supporting local businesses, the town can grow.

Discussing infrastructure Andrew said there hasn’t been a major infrastructure collapse in town.

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“From a commerce perspective, the infrastructure is working.

“There are enough fibre providers, power that works and stakeholders trying to put Edenvale’s best foot forward.”

Although crime will always be an underlying factor for businesses, Andrew believes by beautifying and being active citizens, community members can take their town back.

“Active citizenry makes a difference pushing back on crime, and showing criminals they are not welcome in the area.”

In an effort to attract more businesses to the town, Andrew believes the beauty and benefits of Edenvale need to be demonstrated.

“Edenvale, as a centrally located business hub, has everything needed and is also near the large financial hubs and airport.”

Business owners interested in joining the CBO can email Wainwright at andrew@wcorp.co.za or visit www.cboconnect.co.za for more information.