Since 2017, the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) in partnership with Pick n Pay and other stakeholders has established 7 mini super markets in townships, both within the City and rural areas. These stores are owned and run by members of local communities and permanently employ 177 residents. Of the seven stores, two were converted from existing spaza shops while another five were developed on vacant sites within local townships.
Whilst ANC-led provinces might pay lip service to so-called revitalisation policies and programmes, the facts speak for themselves: the Western Cape is the jobs province. This province has consistently recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the country, including the lowest number of discouraged work seekers. It is because of initiatives such as the Pick n Pay Market Store Project, in partnership with government, that residents in the province continue to find meaningful work.
The Pick n Pay Market Store Project showcases the private and public sector work together to create jobs and opportunities in the province. Through this initiative, DEDAT offers financial assistance for the refurbishment of store facilities and the improvement of infrastructure including the purchasing of equipment and machinery for qualifying beneficiaries. Local government is also on board: the City of Cape Town has upgraded electrical facilities and assists in zoning challenges. Pick n Pay has offered not only financial assistance but also mentorship for store owners, so that these entrepreneurs have every opportunity to succeed.
MPP Bosman says: “In visiting the stores today, in Langa, I was deeply impressed by the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the store owners that we met. They’ve also shown incredible resilience in the face of the pandemic by operating safely and navigating various lockdown restrictions. It is through their hard work that great value is added to the economy by using suppliers from their local communities. This localised value chain further stimulates jobs and development, and opens a door for produce farmers and other suppliers from the area.
We also welcome that DEDAT is considering ways to expand this private-public partnership model to other sectors within the township economy. These communities are vibrant economic hubs within the Western Cape, where the right support has the potential to uplift and empower individuals and families.”