26 October 2007
The ambitious 20 Prioritised Township Programme (20PTP) received a huge cash
injection when the private sector pledged more than R1,7 billion for the
duration of the programme. Gauteng MEC for Housing, Nomvula Mokonyane yesterday
met with business people to solicit sponsorship, partnership as well as
investment for the benefit of the programme.
The purpose of the breakfast meeting held at Michelangelo, Sandton was to
get the business sector in the province to contribute towards the revival of
all the neglected oldest townships, particularly with regard to local economic
development. This R3 billion project is an initiative by the Gauteng Provincial
Government aimed at the upgrading of 20 old townships built before 1994.
This programme is aimed at improving the lives of the people living in 20
identified townships by means of social and economic infrastructure, proper
health facilities as well internal and external township service that will
build sustainable communities and contribute to relieve poverty. MEC Mokonyane
urged delegates to support this programme as their participation will have a
positive bearing on the rehabilitation as well economic development of the
townships in general.
"Government will never stop to urge the private sector to come on board and
give back to the community. You are not doing this for us (government) but for
the ordinary citizens of Gauteng," said Mokonyane. Mokonyane said she
understands that the 20PTP is the kind of programme that cannot be executed by
government alone.
"It is the kind of programme that can be effectively achieved through
strategic partnerships and sound investments. Your contribution as an
organisation should become visible once this project is completed." She said
the opportunities for sound investment are ample. "It is our intention as
government to create conducive conditions and also to provide lucrative
investment packages to business people so that you can derive good returns.
The buying power is locked in these townships and any pioneering business
person cannot afford to miss the opportunities proffered by this market," said
Mokonyane. Mokonyane went on to say that it is the responsibility of any
good-hearted business person to join forces with the township people and
government in turning around the appalling conditions found in townships.
For more information, contact:
Aviva Manqa
Cell: 083 600 3830
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 083 602 6169
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
26 October 2007
