Lesufi’s multi-party govt has failed township entrepreneurs – BOSA – POLITICS

As Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi marks the 100th day of his multi-party government, Build One South Africa (BOSA) has noted with grave concern the Gauteng government’s failure to protect, develop and empower township business owners. There are at least five instances in which the government has missed the mark:

ONE – Despite the existence of the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA) and the Township Economy Partnership Fund, small business owners in Katlehong, Thokoza and Vosloorus continue to cry foul after they were swindled by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and its implementing partner Family Tree Holdings, in a botched empowerment initiative. This injustice was swept under the carpet until BOSA raised it at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the Economic Development Committee. The matter is also before the Public Protector for further investigatio

TWO – GDED’s negligence enabled Pick n Pay to take advantage of former Mini Market store owners. Despite an agreement between GDED and Pick n Pay, the department turned a blind eye as the retailer exposed the township store owners to reckless lending and unfair business practices. It was at the behest of BOSA that GDED convened a Task Team to try and resolve the impasse between the stakeholders

THREE – On his election campaign trial, Lesufi promised that the Gauteng government in partnership with City Power and Eskom would roll out a transformer replacement programme to communities in need. While electricity is not directly controlled by the province, Lesufi committed to supporting communities by installing and replacing transformers.However, the Premier has not kept his promise to business owners in parts of Dobsonville Soweto, where businesses have been in a perpetual blackout since June