Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
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If you build it, they will come: Mall construction in QwaQwa. Big retailers have been growing their presence in township malls for a couple of decades; now they are trying out smaller formats too. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

A bigger slice of the pie: Retailers find ways to cash in on township economy

The South African informal economy market is much sought-after, with the big, formal-sector supermarkets all looking to grow their share

In his recent medium-term budget policy statement

Cutting the public sector wage bill won’t fly: The key is to manage it better

The state’s wage bill has increased threefold over the past 14 years: it’s time we have a nuanced discussion about how to solve this conundrum

A number of roadside jobseekers have not had any formal employment for many years and often retreat back to their villages when jobs are not forthcoming. (David Harrison/M&G)

Formulate workable solutions to create and protect jobs

Laws must bring an end to workers’ exploitation

Rural people are dispossessed and displaced by companies that collect awards for ESG credentials, corporate social investment and sector excellence.
(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Rural areas need change of mind-set

Densification of the towns would improve service delivery and local business should be stimulated

The thousands of existing outstanding land claims can serve as a useful starting point for land expropriation

Development key to effective land reform

Secure tenure in rural areas, access to urban land and educating new farmers will help policy succeed

Weak links: The slow provision of safe infrastructure to schools is hindered by

Build co-operation into school sector

Streamlined delivery chains are needed, as is the ability to construct safe infrastructure

The movement of children from ‘rural’ provinces to Gauteng and the Western Cape makes planning difficult for these provinces.

Admission patterns plague schools

Understanding migration and age dynamics can address placement problems

‘South Africa’s retailers provide a perfect example of understanding how firms can entrench their market power to the detriment of overall development

Foster fair markets and tighten competition laws to achieve transformation

South Africa’s economy is dominated by monopoly capital — a reality that has to change if the country is to change and grow

File photo

The need for proper early childhood development infrastructure is urgent

Many parents are deterred from enrolling their children at ECD facilities because of prohibitive costs.