Hub to revitalise “township economy”
DIEPSLOOT - The Riversands Incubation Hub for small and micro enterprises held a roof wetting ceremony to give the public a preview of the innovative development.
The Hub is located within walking distance of Diepsloot and has been designed to serve the Diepsloot community by selecting small and micro enterprises with job creation potential. It will provide on-site training to help the businesses grow to their full potential over a period of three years.
The infrastructure of the Hub is a 50/50 joint venture between Century Property Developments and the Jobs Fund. The Hub facility will include a 450-seater auditorium, lecture halls, training rooms, workshops, a restaurant and an amphitheatre which will accommodate 10 000 people when complete. There will also be an agricultural training section of the Hub.
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura addressed guests at the ceremony and said the Hub would contribute to the revitalisation of the “township economy”. “There is a lot of economic activity in townships and the future growth of our country lies in releasing the potential of the township,” he said.
Mayor of Johannesburg, Parks Tau, Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu and Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel were also present and expressed their excitement about the development.
Mark Corbett, CEO of Century Property Developments said, “The vision is to transform the socio-economic fabric of Diepsloot, which is a marginalised community where those who are employed spend up to 50 percent of their earnings on transport.
“We are convinced that this project may be replicated in other parts of the country to stimulate the economy with the public and private sectors working hand in hand.”
