Business and government have joined forces to tackle job creation through industrialisation in Johannesburg’s townships, putting together a steering committee to help drive funding and investment and support industrialisation efforts.
“The committee will comprise neutral leaders from business, the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), local and provincial government,” said business development strategist and chairman of the JCCI Sandton region, Alex Potgieter.
He told FTW that over R500 billion had been spent on trade annually in Soweto alone and that there was enormous scope for growth in Johannesburg’s outlying areas with the right sustainable projects. “We are looking at creating more manufacturing and trading hubs in conjunction with the Gauteng provincial government,” added Potgieter.
He said pockets of industrial land were being identified and put aside in the townships so that producers and entrepreneurs could build their own structures. According to Potgieter, there are major opportunities in the building and construction sector.
“This because many in these areas still need access to affordable housing which provides immediate opportunities while the entrepreneurs build their businesses and hone their skills,” he said.
Potgieter was adamant that there were no obstacles to global or local funding for projects of this nature, noting that the JCCI had put the right public and private sector platforms in place – through strong relationships – to ensure support and funding.
“There is also seamless access to funders/investors in these projects and the projects are always strategically aligned with bilateral trade agreements,” said Potgieter.
