The City of Johannesburg has joined the provincial Department of Economic Development in kick starting the drive for radical change of the structure and pattern of ownership of the provincial economy.
At the launch of Region E’s drive held at Sankopano Community Centre, the city council’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Ruby Mathang said it was compelling for the city council to be part of the exercise which sought to empower all residents involved in the city’s economy regardless of the status and size of their business. “They should be enabled to participate in the city’s economic development on equal terms with sophisticated businesses which monopolise all contracts and tenders.”
He said they would target all small, medium and micro enterprises, and co-operatives especially those operated by youths and women who tend to be marginalised. Women in particular should be assisted to access whatever resources are available as they tend to be more reliable and accountable in their business transactions and are responsible for running their family’s affairs.
He said the city council would utilise its entities, City Power, Joburg Water, Joburg Roads Agency, Johannesburg Property Company and others, to incubate youths and women businesses so that they could grow into independent and sustainable businesses.
Those already with stable businesses would be supported through training and access to collateral to enable them stay afloat and grow bigger.
The drive will visit 50 townships in the province.
Details: township.economy@gauteng.gov.za
