Economy Soweto

slums, soweto.



housing development project, kliptown.

many parts of soweto rank among poorest in johannesburg, although individual townships tend have mix of wealthier , poorer residents. in general, households in outlying areas northwest , southeast have lower incomes, while in southwestern areas tend have higher incomes.

the economic development of soweto severely curtailed apartheid state, provided limited infrastructure , prevented residents creating own businesses. roads remained unpaved, , many residents had share 1 tap between 4 houses, example. soweto meant exist dormitory town black africans worked in white houses, factories, , industries. 1957 natives (urban areas) consolidation act , predecessors restricted residents between 1923 , 1976 7 self-employment categories in soweto itself. sowetans operate general shops, butcheries, eating houses, sell milk or vegetables, or hawk goods. overall number of such enterprises @ time strictly controlled. result, informal trading developed outside legally-recognized activities.

by 1976 soweto had 2 cinemas , 2 hotels, , 83% of houses had electricity. 93% of residents had no running water. using fire cooking , heating resulted in respiratory problems contributed high infant mortality rates (54 per 1,000 compared 18 whites, 1976 figures.

the restrictions on economic activities lifted in 1977, spurring growth of taxi industry alternative soweto s inadequate bus , train transport systems.

in 1994 sowetans earned on average 6 , half times less counterparts in wealthier areas of johannesburg (1994 estimates). sowetans contribute less 2% johannesburg s rates. sowetans remain impoverished, , others live in shanty towns little or no services. 85% of kliptown comprises informal housing. soweto electricity crisis committee argues soweto s poor unable pay electricity. committee believes south african government s privatization drives worsen situation. research showed 62% of residents in orlando east , pimville unemployed or pensioners.

there have been signs indicating economic improvement. johannesburg city council began provide more street lights , pave roads. private initiatives tap sowetans combined spending power of r4.3 billion planned, including construction of protea mall, jabulani mall, development of maponya mall, upmarket hotel in kliptown, , orlando ekhaya entertainment centre. soweto has become centre nightlife , culture.