South Africa’s township economy is often described as the country’s hidden goldmine
— a powerful engine of trade, resilience, and entrepreneurship worth billions of rand
every year. From spaza shops and street vendors to transport operators and informal
enterprises, township communities continue to sustain economic activity despite deep
structural challenges. This morning, we unpack “Beyond Spaza Shops: Who Really
Benefits from the Township Economy?” as we’re joined by an economist to examine the
real state of township enterprise, the barriers to inclusive growth, and whether South
Africa is doing enough to unlock the full economic power of its township communities.

South Africa&rsquo;s township economy is often described as the country&rsquo;s hidden goldmine &mdash; a powerful engine of trade, resilience, and entrepreneurship worth billions of rand every year. From spaza shops and street vendors to transport operators and informal enterprises, township communities continue to sustain economic activity despite deep structural challenges. This morning, we unpack &ldquo;Beyond Spaza Shops: Who Really Benefits from the Township Economy?&rdquo; as we&rsquo;re joined by an economist to examine the real state of township enterprise, the barriers to inclusive growth, and whether South Africa is doing enough to unlock the full economic power of its township communities.

At POWER 98.7 we invite you to join the conversation on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

At POWER 98.7 we invite you to join the conversation on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

The best of POWER Zone

After the day’s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day’s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.

After the day&rsquo;s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day&rsquo;s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.