Real Estate Investor’s Post

Townships in South Africa are complex social and geographical urban spaces, which form the 'majority world' of South African cities. These areas face immense and mounting socio-economic pressures, requiring a powerful, inventive, and transformative approach. Eight metropolitan municipalities in South Africa house 39% of the population and generate 48% of the GDP. The functioning of these cities is key to South Africa's economic growth and prosperity. Within these city regions, township economies are underperforming. These areas face high unemployment, weak formal employment, crime, under-serviced informal settlements, and limited infrastructure. Rapid settlement expansion has worsened service delivery challenges. Townships are also characterised by spatial dislocation and cultural fragmentation, weakening collective community bonds. The Cities Support Programme (CSP) has identified the need for greater focus on township development. In response to the development challenge, the programme proposed a theory of change (TOC), requiring interventions in four respects: i) improving public service provision, ii) enabling a supportive business institutional environment, iii) strengthening and working with societal institutions, and iv) facilitating targeted economic support interventions. The ToC emphasised the need to reduce spatial barriers, connecting township residents and businesses with opportunities in the broader economy.

📚Investing in #earlychildhoodeducation yields significant #economic returns. Quality early education not only enhances individual potential but also drives #economicgrowth and social progress. ✨Support us in nurturing the future leaders of Kenya and creating a prosperous tomorrow. #SDG4QualityEducation #LearningisFun #watotowasome #InvestInTheFuture

💭 How did a one-time cash transfer program boost economic activity in Kenya? In 2014, researchers including CEGA Faculty Co-Director Edward Miguel, Dennis Egger, Johannes Haushofer, Paul Niehaus, and CEGA Staff Scientist Michael Walker — in collaboration with GiveDirectly — began exploring the economic impact of cash transfers in Siaya, Kenya. The team partnered with organizations including Innovations for Poverty Action to collect data on over 60,000 households and 10,000 businesses, and applied a randomized design to evaluate the effect of the payments. 💡 Their findings? Each $1 invested generated $2.50 in economic activity, revealing how direct cash transfers can create powerful ripple effects that benefit local economies, not just individual recipients. 📺 Want to dive deeper? Check out this video from Money & Macro Media to hear Joeri Schasfoort interview Dennis Egger about the project, or visit CEGA's website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eXETyiWe

Canadians tell us that literacy is important: The majority of Canadians (92 per cent) believe improving literacy rates in Canada would improve Canadians’ standard of living.* United for Literacy is continuing to meet with Canadian leaders to discuss how literacy changes everything and must be a top priority. Our former Board Chair, Suzanne Anton KC, CEO Mélanie Valcin, MA, and Director of Government Relations, Angela Briscoe, recently had the opportunity to discuss with former Premier of British Columbia, Christy Clark, about the importance of literacy skills for success at school and work, advancing individual and community prosperity. *source: According to a 2024 Pollara survey commissioned by United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College). https://lnkd.in/eh3gceRA #Literacy #UnitedForLiteracy #LiteracyMatters #LiteracyForAll #LiteracyChangesLives

I have recently been spending a considerable amount of time thinking about the political economy of the small town in South Africa. I've been contemplating its impact on local communities and the broader implications for the country. While I haven't drawn definitive conclusions, my observations are anecdotal, and I find myself deeply saddened by the degradation and collapse of many of our historical towns. Having grown up in an industrial town, I must confess that, like many young people, I occasionally found it boring. However, hindsight has revealed the importance of that experience for my development, appreciating its simplicity, and cherishing the many lovely memories of my upbringing in Uitenhage (Kariega). Today, many small towns grapple with soaring unemployment rates, often attributed to widespread corruption, crumbling infrastructure, and the decline of key industries. Over time, I've witnessed the establishment of gangs imported from the cities in many townships, contributing to a surge in local drug usage. Many schools are struggling with up keep as well; even some of the former model-c schools are struggling to cope. Surprisingly, these issues haven't garnered much attention from political parties in the current election cycle. While many small town concerns fall under the jurisdiction of local government, there are broader national issues at play, including safety and security, education, and migratory patterns from towns to cities. Recognising the integral role that towns play in the cultural and economic makeup of our nation, I urge politicians and industry leaders to give special attention to these communities. Let's work together to address the challenges faced by small towns and ensure their sustainable development for the benefit of all. #SmallTownsMatter #CommunityDevelopment #SouthAfricaEconomy

"Banks in Tanzania hold immense potential for fostering business and economic growth. By offering financial education to both urban and rural Tanzanians, we can empower communities to leverage credit wisely, invest strategically, and secure a brighter future. #financialliteracy #economicempowerment "

Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunity MEC Mireille Wenger writes that over the past five years, 78.9% of the net jobs created across the whole of South Africa have been created right here in the Western Cape. #zeeliepasa #accountingfirm #accountingservices #taxservices

Education is the key to success, but what if the key gets broken along the way to opening that door to a brighter future full of abilities, possibilities, opportunities and realities. Should I not be opportune to sit in the four walls of a classroom? Let me tell you a story, I come from a village unworthy of good roads, good infrastructure and limited teaching staff, yet I still have a dream. Welcome to my country, where most schools are under trees, most schools have limited or no furniture's, Students struggle to access water, most students walk bear footed / walk in slippers to school, teachers paying corrupt officials to change locations of schools they should teach to suit their interest; why ?… because I come from a village unworthy of a better tomorrow. I would like you (reader), to pay a fee in the most rickety bus, and let me take you on a tour to my Village and other villages, you will confess, that indeed the key to success has been broken in rural communities. Do we need a miracle to find the key?.. I believe we need an attitudinal change from you, me and the society. What is a country without the next generational future leaders? Malcolm X said “ Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. Let us invest in the education of children in rural communities today, because they too have dreams. Written by Faiza Duut Majeed. Picture captured in Kolinvai, Northeast Region, Ghana. 📽 Photo Credit : Faiza Duut Majeed #Ruralphotography #Phonephotography #Blackwomenphotography

I live for The TOWNSHIP ECONOMY. I believe that I have found my purpose and it has evolved over the years but at its core it is to change how you see the township, make meaningful connections between corporate South Africa and the township economy, and facilitate long term inclusive economic growth. Living your purpose is the most fulfilling thing you can ever do, however it is equally the toughest and most painful thing to do because it tests you and it's a thankless task. Though in certain instances you are paid a fee it doesn't equate to the fact that you would have done the work even without a fee. In most cases those resources are wholly driven towards fulfilling this purpose. Chasing intentional impact while trying to balance the scale of the resource needs is a tough one, you wish people would just get it but it wouldn't be 'Your Purpose' if they all got it. I believe that you find your purpose while taking intentional steps each day to better yourself, you need to be the best version of your self in the level you are on. Don't undermine small beginning. Deliver value, excellence and quality. This is a tough and yet meaningful journey, enjoy the ups and down. It's not about the finish line but it is about the journey. What is your purpose? #GetThingsDone

It is literally impossible for any country to actualize its National values and principles while the majority of its citizens wallow in inequalities. Specifically, A Nation that does not holistically address the development priorities of its Youth only sets itself up for impending disaster. During todays pre-analysis of the presidents parliamentary address on the update of Zambias application of National values and principles, I took the opportunity to lay out expectations from a youth perspective. Among other key issues, Zambia has over 6.5million young people and of these only 48% are in some form of employment while 52% are not engaged in any form of employment, skills training or education. With an annual Educational completion rate of 32% at grade 12 against an enrollment rate of 96%, this sounds like a ticking time bomb 💣 (stats: State of the youth report)