TOWNSHIPS – for long a prominent feature of both the past and modern era of South Africa – are beginning to demonstrate massive potential in terms of creating employment through stimulating local economies by bringing together small businesses and franchises under “one roof”.

The Foro Shopping Complex – located in the heart of Tlhabane, just outside Rustenburg – has been undergoing a positive transformation that has cemented its status as the commercial hub of the old township.

A few years ago, the area where the complex stands only had a single retail shop and a few other small businesses involved in selling cellphone accessories, providing salon services or selling clothes.

Today, however, the picture is different as many more businesses have since set up their operations to cater for the needs of community members who previously had to travel to the Rustenburg central business district and other areas in order to access services that were not offered in Tlhabane.

A dental clinic and pharmacy, as well as other enterprises that are involved in the fast food and catering industry, the repair of televisions and other electrical appliances, Information Technology (IT) as well as a video club are now part of the complex.

Additionally, a prominent franchise involved in selling building material has also opened a shop within the complex.

The increase of commercial activity around the area has not only created more jobs for people living in Tlhabane, it has also seen the major commercial banks installing several ATMs which bring with them a welcome convenience to those who frequently visit the complex.

“The good thing about having more shops at the complex is that I can now buy many more things in one area,” said a 34-year-old resident of Tlhabane, who did not want to be named.

“This helps a lot because in the past I had to move around many places in town to buy what I wanted. Now I just go to the complex and this saves me a lot of money,” the man added.

In the middle of all this transformation is Godfrey Kinni Rangaka – an entrepreneur who owns the land upon which the complex stands.

Rangaka’s exploits has won him the Freedom of the City Award, which was recently bestowed on him by the Rustenburg municipality.

“What he (Rangaka) has done at the complex is a good example to all of us. He is an inspiration to us all,” Rustenburg’s executive mayor, Mpho Khunou, said during an event held to hand over the award to him and other outstanding residents of Rustenburg.

-TDN

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