By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Department of Small Business Development has allocated R710 million for the 2026/27 financial year to the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme to strengthen enterprises operating in these communities and address challenges facing township and rural businesses.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Township & Rural Economy Development Agency (TREDA) Investment Compact in East London on Monday, Minister Stella Ndabeni said government needed to unlock the economic potential in townships and rural communities and translate it into sustainable businesses, investment, employment and inclusive economic growth.
“Township and rural economies must no longer be treated as peripheral to South Africa’s economic development. These communities are markets, centres of production, trade, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and services,” Ndabeni said.
“They are home to entrepreneurs who understand their communities, identify opportunities and provide goods and services every day.”
Ndabeni said government and its partners needed to create conditions that would allow
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