Initiative to boost townships’ business flair
INDEPENDENT Media has launched Ezase-Kasi Business Fridays, a campaign aimed at supporting township businesses and steering Cape Town’s economic activity.
Keynote speaker at the event on Friday was Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe.
About 150 stakeholders and guests attended the launch at Century City Conference Centre and Hotel. The initiative would be launched in other provinces through an EzaseKasi Vision 2030 Imbizo roadshow, and is the brainchild of entrepreneur Siyanda Mtulu.
Tourism Deputy Minister Tokozile Xasa said the campaign was one of the best initiatives to bolster economic growth in townships.
Stakeholders who support the initiative include Santam, Mercedes-Benz, the Department of Small Business Development, and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Xasa said there was also potential for infrastructure development, skills development and nurturing the support that is required to help township businesses flourish.
Xasa said the Ezase-Kasi initiative was but one positive step in the right direction.
“If we are to create more jobs and realise inclusive growth, we must support small businesses by co-ordinating the effort of the various roleplayers.
“The South African government is fully committed to playing its role in promoting and supporting the development of sustainable tourism that brings benefits to local communities where it is taking place.”
Mtulu said that from restaurants, taxis, fashion designers, beauty salons and construction companies, the project encourages companies to look to the townships for their businesses.
“We encourage people to wear at least one item produced in the township every
‘A reminder that every great change starts with a vision’
Friday,” said Mtulu.
Radebe said: “This initiative is a great reminder that every great change starts with a vision.”
He gave an undertaking that he would wear a township-produced item on Fridays.
Radebe said the campaign was already supported by many government departments.
“I believe that much of this economy’s activities will improve the quality of life for our people who rely on the private sector, and I believe as well that our success as a country depends on the role that the private sector continues to play because that’s when new jobs must be created.
“More than 80 percent of this economy is in private hands, so it is of critical importance that we encourage the private sector to leave no stone unturned in coming to the party to ensure all these things are done,” said Radebe.
Independent Media’s group executive for marketing and communication, Lutfia Vayej, congratulated all partners for buying into the initiative.
“I’m sure you’ve all been touched by Siya’s passion and commitment, but it’s also the right thing to do. We believe, as Independent Media, with our focus on social change, that we are the right partner for this great initiative, and as it expands around the rest of the country we have publications and platforms that will enable us to spread this message.” sandiso.phaliso@inl.co.za
@PhalisoSandiso