How Gauteng is recovering from #UnrestSA

Together with KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng was recently battered by civil unrest and riots. In the aftermath of the mayhem that took place, a number of government departments, big businesses, NGOs and charities have come together to help businesses who suffered losses during this troubled time. 3 Cube Property Solutions lists some of the instances of growth, renewal and hope that have been born from the seeds of destruction.

Response from Gauteng's provincial government

On 30 July, Gauteng MEC Parks Tau announced that the province was implementing several interventions - including significant funding - as part of its plan for rebuilding the province. In developing these plans, Tau stated that he and his team had looked at international case studies recording how other governments had responded to similar riots. The plan that has been put into place, according to Tau, is to incentivise and support rebuilding, with a focus on retail and associated logistics.

In an opinion piece recently penned by Tau, it is stated that a new deal is being implemented to accelerate economic opportunities that benefit businesses in Gauteng's townships. In order to overturn decades of underdevelopment in these areas, this deal will be centered on unlocking private development, with the goal of slashing unemployment levels.

A helping hand from the banking sector

In the aftermath of the disaster, Nedbank has stepped up and proved its role as a responsible corporate citizen, providing more than R6.4 million to relief efforts, clean-up campaigns and the rebuilding of infrastructure. In the words of Poovi Pillay, executive head of the Nedbank Foundation, "we are determined to deliver on our purpose to use our financial expertise to do good by assisting and supporting the collective efforts to rebuild our country." The bank has partnered with organisations such as Gift of the Givers and UNICEF to provide assistance and is using its existing partnerships to provide financial assistance to businesses in need.

Like Nedbank, Standard Bank has been working hand in hand with various charitable organisations to provide assistance to those affected by the riots. As early as 16 July, the first R15 000 000 donated by Standard Bank was on its way to provide assistance to the stricken citizens of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. These initial funds were earmarked to provide food and other necessities to those affected by the riots. In the words of Standard Bank Chief Executive, Lungisa Fuzile, "this is the first in a series of relief measures from Standard Bank."

Rates relief

It will have come as a relief to business owners in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal that legal provisions are in place to ensure the adjustment of the values of affected properties. This, in turn, will mean lower rates payments for business owners affected by the riots. Both Johannesburg and eThekwini metro councils have invited affected business owners to provide them with relevant details.

Heart-warming stories

From within the depths of disaster, the spirit of Ubuntu has shone its light. In the weeks after the riots, social media was full of stories of the communities of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal coming together to clean up and restore order to their neighbourhoods. Members of our communities have dug deep in their hearts - and their wallets - to ensure the wellbeing of others. Good Things Guy reported on one such story of Soweto-based Thandi Johnson who had her party decorations business destroyed and then received a donation of R25 000 to get her back on her feet. In making this donation, OneSpark Insurance proved that where there is darkness, there is always light.

In the words of Standard Bank's Lungisa Fuzile, "if we work together, South Africa can be a better place for all its citizens." The 3Cube Property Group is committed to growing the economy by matching commercial and industrial enterprises with ideal properties to buy or rent. Contact us for more information.