Collectively Growing Township Economies: An opportunity to create bridges between the formal and township economy

Persistent and increasingly high levels of youth unemployment in South Africa present one of the greatest obstacles to achieving equitable and inclusive economic growth. Given the scale of the challenges and the current economic context, youth unemployment will not be solved through labour absorption in the formal sector alone. Growing our Township Economies is vital for creating entry-level learning and employment opportunities for young people where they live, and also to upskill marginalised youth who lack formal post-school education, with the skills that will enhance employability.

The Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) Initiative seeks to expand learning and employment opportunities for young people in a variety of artisanal fields. In order to achieve this, the National Business Initiative (NBI) has focussed on identifying and growing entrepreneurial artisanal enterprises in township communities, through enterprise development, skills development and market access, on the proviso that they train and employ young skilled IRM workers. The scope of IRM enterprises could include Manufacturers, Plumbers, Electricians, General Maintenance, Domestic Appliance Repairers, Autobody Repairers, Cellphone Repairers and others.

The NBI invites you to attend a virtual event where we will present our IRM Township Hub Programme through which companies in the formal sector can derive value and engage with township-based IRM enterprises to increase opportunities for enterprise growth and employment.

The first two hubs are being established in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng and iLembe, KZN with the aim to roll these out in township communities across the country, over the next 5 years.

We look forward to your attendance, as well as to your valuable input.

Please click here to RSVP.