The policy seeks to establish a national framework to guide the development of township and rural enterprises, addressing longstanding challenges that have hindered economic activity in these areas.
The Department of Small Business Development has published a draft national policy aimed at revitalising South Africa’s township and rural economies, a move government believes could unlock economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty in some of the country’s most underdeveloped communities.
The draft South African Township and Rural Economy Development and Revitalisation Policy was gazetted on Friday by Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni, with the public given 42 days to submit comments.
The policy seeks to establish a national framework to guide the development of township and rural enterprises, addressing longstanding challenges that have hindered economic activity in these areas.
According to the draft policy, townships and rural areas account for more than half of South Africa’s population, with approximately 24.35% of citizens living in townships and 32.15% residing in rural communities.
