In South Africa’s radical socio-economic transformation agenda, township economy plays a significant role in driving inclusive and developmental growth. For a province like Gauteng which account for more than 11 of the top biggest 15 townships in the country, the enactment of the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA) was a watershed moment and breakthrough for township establishments, venues, and enterprises.
Formally now through this groundbreaking piece of legislation, Gauteng townships will not just become places of domicile but true hotbeds for economic activities. This bodes well for the province as more township venues and establishments can now be integrated into the business events value-chain with the hosting of major conferences, events, exhibitions, and meetings now in the short horizon. Meetings Africa 2023 platform presents us with the opportunity to share, sell and tell the rest of the world these fantastic developments.
Soweto, for instance, is known as a township of enterprise and cultural interaction. It is rich with history and houses the core of the country’s liberation and transformation journey. It is home to many medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are a crucial in contributing positively to the SA’s Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) and job creation efforts.
It can be agreed that you cannot visit Gauteng without getting the township experience. Soweto with its sprawling attractions, eateries and adventure activities offers visitors, residents and meetings planners and buyers countless opportunities catering for all tastes and budgets, One of the township’s rapidly growing economic fragments is quality venues for conferences and events.
The University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus, the Jabulani Amphitheatre, Soweto Theatre, Soweto Golf Course (the only golf course located in a township in South Africa) are some of the venues the GTA working together with its partners wants to integrate into the Gauteng’s Meetings Planner Guide and mainstream business events inventory in the province. These we believe can be primary venues or supporting venues for specific events hosted in the province as we use these events to reignite the visitor economy post the Covid-19 pandemic.
Soweto Theatre
Located in Soweto, Jabulani, the Soweto Theatre is popularly known for hosting social, music events and shows. This lively spot is more than a social hub, it houses a function room that can be used for formal business events, ranging from training, private functions, business meetings and others. You can secure a booking on: 086 167 0670. For more info visit www.gauteng.net
