​Lerato Mailoane
Premier David Makhura has called on youth to take advantage of the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA) aimed at supporting and growing township businesses to create jobs.
"I am excited about the prospects that await small businesses in Gauteng, especially young people. All they need to do is wake up and start their businesses."
Makhura was addressing young entrepreneurs about TEDA which he says will help small businesses to take charge.
The law, which was signed into law last month, has been welcomed by many as a step in the right direction by the Gauteng government. 
Makhura who has been traveling the five economic corridors in the City Region educating communities about the act, he was in Tembisa on Friday, 13 May. 
He told entrepreneurs that the act will give them access to municipal land and funding. Through the rapid release of land, entrepreneurs can tap into agriculture and livestock.
"We are here to support [ township businesses] and to provide an enabling environment to grow so that they can create employment opportunities for more people. Government wants to buy goods and services in the township," said Makhura.
In response to the immediate challenges, the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), SA SME Fund, and Standard Bank, have made available R850 million to assist township businesses to rebuild and grow.
"Our ongoing work of supporting township businesses is borne out by the inspiring stories of township entrepreneurs that have triumphed over the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past year alone, 56 township businesses were incubated successfully at the provincial government eKasiLabs," he added.
Thembisa eKasiLab incubated Phumzile Mthembu said she stands as a true testimony of the support she received from government.
After being unemployed for years, Phumzile is now the founding owner of Ingcweti (Pty) Ltd, the first baby skincare brand in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, trading as PureB Baby Care.
The eKasiLabs programme is an extension of the Innovation Hub's service offering. This initiative fosters and cultivates a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in townships through micro innovation hub facilities located along 5 economic corridors in Gauteng.