The United Democratic Movement, UDM has welcomed a new report on the impact of de-industrialisation on small towns, launched at the Heidelberg Symposium. Titled "The Impact of De-Industrialisation on Small Towns: Case Studies of Lichtenburg and Komati," the report by Frontline Africa Advisory, the Industrial Development Think Tank and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition highlights how industrial decline has fueled unemployment, strained municipal finances and weakened community ties in small towns.The UDM, represented at the symposium by Councillor Yongama Zigebe, says the findings support its push for re-industrialising rural areas to build a stronger, inclusive economy. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to UDM Councillor in the City of Johannesburg and Chairperson of the S79 Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities, Yongama Zigebe