Boost for township economy
The Gauteng MEC for Eonomic Development, Clr Lebogang Maile, launched the revitalisation of the townships' economy at the Rabasoho Hall in Tembisa on Monday.
Speaking to local and national small business owners, Mr Maile said the time has come for the government to help local businesses to grow in Gauteng.
“A lot of businesses in the townships are collapsing because of lack of support. There are also people with good business ideas, but cannot implement them because they don’t have the financial muscle to do so. We are inviting you to contact the relevant government structures for help,” he said.
MEC Maile added that the government is looking at ways of helping local people to to produce their own products.
“We would like to see people eating bread produced right here in Tembisa. The time for monopolising the economy is over. We have to create conducive conditions for township dwellers to participate in the economy in our life time,” he said.
He warned people against applying for business loans from the government and using the money for luxury cars or fancy clothing.
“We would like to help people who are willing and ready to participate in the economy of this country. People who would be able to pay back the money so that we can help others,” he said.
The campaign will see the MEC visiting all the townships in Gauteng, talking to business people and promoting the revitalisation of the townships’ economy.
