Cllr Lawrence Khoza, the MMC for Economic Development has renewed the City’s pledge to make Johannesburg business-friendly, following extensive consultations with the sector.

Cllr Khoza has been undertaking various engagements with small and established enterprises in Johannesburg to ensure the City responds to their needs.

He says the Government of Local Unity is working to ensure businesses receive adequate municipal support during the lockdown.

The MMC led a high-level task team from the Department of Economic Development to Lenasia recently to access opportunities and challenges faced by businesses in the area.

He says some of the challenges highlighted by entrepreneurs in Lenasia include intermittent power supply, high rental payments, lack of security as well as the lack of transformation across the value chain.

“We are going to consolidate all the issues that have been raised and come up with the requisite interventions. Business for us as the City of Johannesburg is a critical partner in our recovery effort,” he says.

Cllr Khoza adds that the creation and sustainability of businesses across the City of Johannesburg is of strategic importance to the municipality.

“The City understands the devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy. We will do everything in our power to ensure businesses receive support.”

Cllr Khoza’s oversight visit assessed agro-processing businesses, the Lenasia Manufacturing Hub, energy and mechanical enterprises.

The MMC also stopped by Dhorat Foods, Nonnas Italian Kitchen, Polar Ice Cream Factory and FR Panel Beating.