TOWNSHIP ECONOMIES

The term ‘township economy’ has, in recent times, become a buzzword for politicians and administrators who seek political expediency. As we approach the 2021 local government elections, you will hear them boastfully declare that they have set aside funding for entrepreneurs with a desire to set up either tuckshops or car washes. It would be disingenuous of me or anyone else, for that matter, to argue that this is not a noble cause. However, I would like to outline a few issues that municipalities and their local economic development forums need to address if they seriously intend to formalise the township economy.

Any discussion around the revival or growth of the township economy cannot be done in silos without first targeting how to link it up with the main economy in terms of trade corridors. Take, for instance, the townships of the greater Pietermaritzburg area.

They primarily work in silos to the main economies of central and business districts. They need to be integrated with the main economy and facilitate a trade, education, and transport corridor.

A township entrepreneur needs to manufacture goods in eMagwababeni, warehouse it in eMadala, have a shop in eKorea, or any other Mpophomeni section. This needs to happen with seamless logistics networks that can transport the goods without any hiccups that are not limited to the road while finding clients in both the township and suburban areas. The focus should be all about the ease within which the goods can be produced, stored, transported, and reach the market to be sold. For that, an entrepreneur needs an integrated system that enables and does not impede this.

SANDILE MNIKATHI DA UMNGENI CAUCUS CHAIRPERSON

NOTTINGHAM ROAD