Cape Town: The Better.Bellville.Together programme will expand inclusive economic growth in the northern suburbs which is making a lasting impact for communities in the region. This initiative is completely supported by the City of Cape Town.
Better.Bellville.Together programme is administered by the greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), that has been running for two years and focuses majorly on place-making, improving waste management and also on supporting projects for small businesses and informal traders.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos said that through Better.Bellville.Together they are seeing businesses working together to enhance spaces with better lighting, accessible wayfinding and revitalising infrastructure.
In turn, this programme has led to improved safety and visually appealing public areas that residents are more eager to experience, added James Vos.
GTP’s Mobile Artisan Skills Centre was established last year with the aim of giving unemployed youths woodworking training. After hosting 12 workshops, several students have already been placed in practical internships, gaining on-the-job experience at active construction sites.
CEO of GTP – Warren Hewitt said that as critical as the waste diversion is for the city Cape Town, it is just one part of an ecosystem that is cleaning up the area, educating the communities and providing employment opportunities for those who fell out of the economic system.
As per Hewitt, it has been really rewarding and they are very grateful to the City of Cape Town for their support.
The City of Cape Town also supports small, medium and micro-enterprises. A focal point of Better.Bellville.Together is supporting SMMEs, as part of the waste reduction and place-making efforts and through initiatives such as the Bellville Business Expo, which is a great platform for upskilling, networking and showcasing the regional businesses.
Looking forward to the initiative, Alderman James Vos stated that the SMME project will unveil Bellville Connect, a digital marketplace connecting businesses, traders and investors as well as the Virtual Business Hub, as an online resource where entrepreneurs can find mentorship, training and networking opportunities to support their growth and sustainability.