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But, Isn’t the ‘Township Economy’ just ‘The Economy’

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We constantly hear all these buzzwords around the ‘township economy’, ‘township tourism’, township stimulus packages’ and I am a tad concerned…

My main concern centers around just WHO is touting these buzzwords – politicians on the hunt for votes.

The sad reality is that these self same politicians THINK that the way to stay in power is to play to the masses, the great unwashed, the poor, the uneducated and the desperate AND they THINK that they will find those people in what we call ‘the townships’. A quick bribe of food, a T-Shirt and a vague promise of jobs via ‘the township’ economy is the current focus by those desperate for the vote and power.

I ask those politicians one very pertinent question; “When last did you actually engage with those youngsters in the township?”

From personal experience I can tell you that the youngsters in the township are ‘woke’ and really want to ‘be better’ – they see you coming and you cock it up for everyone as they have decided that they will NOT vote for you or anyone else based on your transparent, self serving, cyclical largess behaviour.

Be very careful dividing the economy into sections like formal, informal, small, micro, large, township and the like – we ALL contribute to the economy and we would ALL like to be treated like adults and not like children that YOU think are in need of special attention.

Look what happened when the apartheid government divided the country up into ‘independent states’ and ‘banustans’ whilst still trying to retain control – they fall when the citizens realised that they were stronger together WITHOUT the National Party.

The economy is the economy is the economy.

Ward 7 Independent Councillor

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.