Small towns are dying: Symposium addresses urgent crisis of de-industrialisation in South Africa
Government officials, business representatives, and civil society participants have gathered in Heidelberg, Gauteng, for a pivotal symposium on the socio-economic effects of de-industrialisation in small towns.
The event aims to examine how the closure or relocation of major industries can dramatically reshape—and sometimes devastate—local economies and communities.
“We are holding this event in Heidelberg to discuss a very important subject: de-industrialisation, the slow but profound erosion of small towns’ industrial and economic base. That is what today’s gathering is about,” event organiser Zamokwakhe Ludidi Somhlaba told IOL in an interview.
Somhlaba, a political economist and head of research and political risk advisory at Frontline Africa Advisory in Pretoria, explained: “We want to dissect this phenomenon of de-industrialisation by looking at specific towns. Two main towns we are focusing on are Lichtenburg in the North West, following the exit of Clover South Africa in June 2021, and Komati near Middelburg, which faced industrial decline after Eskom decommissioned its coal power station in October 2022.
“These are not the only towns in South Africa affected. In the Eastern Cape, for example, Butterworth and Zwelitsha—once industrial hubs in the former Transkei and Ciskei—have experienced severe decline. These towns, for lack of a better word, are dead. Our goal here is to reflect on this phenomenon and explore what can be done to save small towns from de-industrialisation.”
The symposium features a diverse panel including representatives from national, provincial, and local government, organised labour, and business. It is co-hosted by the Lesedi Black Business Forum (LBBF) and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI).
The event comes at a critical time for many South African towns facing mounting economic challenges. Organisers hope the discussion will provide insights and strategies to protect vulnerable communities from the ripple effects of industrial decline.
Attendees will engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to:
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Assess the impact of industrial decline on small towns
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Propose evidence-based strategies for economic revitalisation
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Develop actionable recommendations to safeguard local communities
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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