Thirty years since the dawn of democracy, inequality still lingers beneath Johannesburg’s surface, with township residents often marginalised from the city’s wealth. Despite systemic barriers, individuals in these communities are carving their own paths to a better life.
In Johannesburg, the city of gold, the promise of economic prosperity has long been out of reach for many people. Thirty years into democracy, inequality still lingers beneath the surface, with township residents often on the margins of the city’s wealth. But against these odds, people in the townships are making their own paths to a better life. This investigation delves into how, despite systemic barriers, township residents are creating economic opportunities and reshaping their communities from within.Under apartheid, Johannesburg’s wealth was reserved for a select few and the city’s Black population was subjected to harsh restrictions like the Native Labour Regulation Act of 1911. This law required Black workers to carry passbooks, limiting their movement and employment opportunities. As the city’s economy flourished, Black people were trapped in poverty, unable to share in the wealth that their labour helped to create.
Building a life from nothing

Olagh Thandi Shabangu (52) sits on her stoep in Daveyton, remembering her journey from Mozambique to South Africa in the late ’90s with mixed emotions. “I came to this country with nothing but the clothes on my back,” she recalls, her voice steady, yet laced with memories of struggle. “It wasn’t easy.”
Arriving in South Africa as apartheid was nearing its end, Shabangu faced overwhelming odds as a foreign national without formal documentation. “Getting a job was almost impossible,” she says. “I didn’t have papers, so no one would hire me in the city. The police would stop me, but I always managed to escape. It was hard to be both a woman and a foreigner in those days.”
Shabangu found work on a secluded farm, far from the prying eyes of law enforcement. “The farmer didn’t care where we came from, as long as we did the work. We worked in the meat department, making sure it didn’t spoil. That was my life for a while. We were away from the city, hidden from the police, but also far from any real opportunities.”
The arrival of democracy brought a chance for change. When Shabangu finally gained her South African citizenship, she describes it as “a breath of fresh air”. But her struggles to find sustainable employment continued. “I had no formal education and it was difficult to compete,” she says. “While many men went to work in the mines, township women had few opportunities.”
With her new documentation, Shabangu used her experience in the meat industry to secure a job at a store called Meat and More, which has since become OBC, in Daveyton. “I thought I had made it,” she laughs, shaking her head. “But even when I was promoted, the salary wasn’t enough. I was raising two kids as the breadwinner, and I realised I needed more.”
That’s when Olagh decided to take her future into her own hands. Drawing from her family’s entrepreneurial spirit, she became a street vendor, selling fruits and vegetables. “I grew up in a business-minded family,” she says. “So, I knew that was the path for me, and I need to think of ways to survive to raise my children.”
Her two children are now the pride of her life. “My son is a postgraduate and my daughter just started her first year of university this year. When I look at them, I see the change democracy has brought. Back then, Black people couldn’t even dream of becoming professionals like doctors or engineers, but now, we have broken those barriers.”
As Shabangu reflects on the years gone by, she recognises the progress, but remains grounded in the reality of the struggle. “There’s change, yes. But we must fight for our place in this world. I built my life with my own hand, and that’s something I’m proud of.”
From the apartheid years to the promise of democracy Shabangu has seen it all. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of taking control of one’s destiny. “We’ve come far,” she says, “but the journey is far from over.”

The democratic promise: 30 years later
When democracy arrived in 1994, it brought with it a wave of optimism. The ANC, under Nelson Mandela’s leadership, promised to dismantle the economic and social injustices that had defined Johannesburg’s past. Job creation was one of the golden promises. Johannesburg’s role as an economic hub has remained central to the country’s development. The ANC’s manifesto was clear: building a dynamic and growing economy that would prioritise employment, housing and education.
Today, 30 years into democracy, Johannesburg still holds its place as South Africa’s financial capital. The city is home to high buildings that pierce the sky and bustling markets line the streets, but for many of its residents the dream of economic equality remains distant.The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Statistics South Africa shows that unemployment in Gauteng, where Johannesburg is located, has risen to 39.2% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 38.9% earlier in the year.
Unemployment is particularly severe, with nearly half of the city’s labour force struggling to find work. This paints a grim picture, as Johannesburg’s reputation as an economic hub contrasts sharply with the lived reality of its residents. In the city’s sprawling townships and inner-city neighborhoods, job seekers are faced with limited opportunities. The unemployment rate represents more than just statistics: it tells the stories of skilled graduates unable to secure work and families left without a breadwinner. Despite the wealth that still flows through the city, many people feel that the promise of democracy has not been fully achieved.
Township entrepreneurs: Struggle and resilience
Growing up in Mabopane, north of Pretoria, Thabang Mothibe (26) experienced the challenges that many young people face today. Raised by parents determined to make ends meet, he witnessed the weight of economic strain from a young age. After completing his mechanical engineering studies at Tshwane South College, Mothibe was confronted by the harsh reality of South Africa’s job market. Like many Black graduates, he found himself without opportunities, staring down the same hardships that democracy had promised to overcome.
Yet, Mothibe’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. During his studies, he realised that there was more to life than chasing a paycheck. Acknowledging his disadvantaged background, he knew he would have to make his own way. In 2020, during the height of the covid-19 pandemic, Mothibe took his first steps into the world of entrepreneurship – an ambitious leap into the insurance industry. But the pandemic brought immense challenges, particularly for young entrepreneurs like him.
The pandemic forced Mothibe to go back to the drawing board. Undeterred by setbacks, he began another venture, selling meat to stokvels in Mamelodi and Orange Farm. “I knew I had to make sure my dreams as an entrepreneur didn’t die,” he said. However, the learning curve in this industry was exceptionally steep. He had to buy equipment to ensure that the meat was transported safely in refrigerated coolers. In addition, load-shedding exacerbated his challenges. “My customers started complaining about the smell of the meat,” Mothibe says, leading him to make the difficult decision to stop this hustle.
Mothibe’s experience mirrors the broader struggles of many young people in Johannesburg, where high unemployment and daily economic challenges persist. Despite his efforts and the resilience shown by many people like him, the dream of economic equality promised by democracy remains elusive. For many people, the high-rises and stock exchange of Johannesburg are symbols of an economy they are yet to fully participate in.
Thirty years later, the democratic promise feels like a distant memory. For entrepreneurs like Mothibe, it’s not only about navigating the pressures of running a business, but surviving in a system where opportunities are unevenly distributed. Yet, like many of his peers, Mothibe continues to hold onto hope. His journey may not have gone as planned, but his determination reflects the spirit of a generation that refuses to let the promise of democracy die. After several of his entrepreneurial ventures failed, Mothibe faced a critical moment, one in which many people might have lost hope. But instead of surrendering to defeat, he reached out to Aubrey Maphata, a seasoned business owner in the construction industry.
Maphata took Mothibe under his wing, offering mentorship and guidance. With time, Thabang not only found his footing in the construction sector but thrived. Today, he runs his own company, Gree and Meca, in Johannesburg, a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination to succeed. Mothibe’s voice carries the weight of both frustration and hope as he reflects on his journey as a young entrepreneur. “I wish the government could fund local businesses,” he says, his tone a mix of passion and weariness. “As young entrepreneurs, it’s difficult to get funding from commercial banks.” His words reveal a harsh truth that many people like him face – a dream that feels just out of reach, hindered by the lack of financial support.
Mothibe acknowledges that the government has made efforts to create policies aimed at job creation, but he believes there is more to be done. “They’ve tried to instill policies to support local businesses,” he says, “but it is not enough. There is more to be done than just hosting business workshops for young entrepreneurs. Workshops are not helping: businesses need funding.”
Meanwhile, Nyasha Simelane (26) is also a beacon of inspiration. Simelane, the founder and chief executive of the social app Safe Space, recalls the moments that shaped his path. “What has inspired me to start a business is my ability to lead,” he says, with determination in his eyes. “Being placed in positions where I can lead and seeing people respond positively – that’s what gave me the confidence to take the leap into entrepreneurship.” His words reflect a deep-seated belief in the power of influence and responsibility, particularly as a Black person navigating the complexities of a changing society.
“I have so many ideas I want to share with the world,” Simelane continues, a smile spreading across his face. “I thought, why not start a business? I really trust myself.” His enthusiasm is infectious, and you can sense the fire that drives him. Simelane’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but he embraces them wholeheartedly. “I love rejection. I love failure because I’ve always managed to bounce back,” he says, emphasising the resilience that has become a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial spirit.
Simelane’s vision for Safe Space is rooted in creating a platform through which individuals can connect, share and find support in a safe environment.
Creating jobs: who’s responsible?
To address the city’s unemployment crisis, the Gauteng provincial government has introduced programmes like Nasi Ispani, designed to help young, unemployed people find jobs. Although this initiative has offered hope, it remains limited in scope. Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi recently acknowledged these limitations, saying, “This is the nature of these programmes – they are not long term. And why they are not long term is because we do not have the financial muscle to absorb everyone.”
The debate over job creation in Johannesburg extends beyond government programmes. In a recent national assembly discussion, Dr Michael Cardo of the Democratic Alliance (DA) argued that the government cannot create jobs on a large scale. “The government itself cannot create jobs at scale – that’s the private sector’s role,” Cardo said. He emphasised that for the private sector to thrive and generate employment, the government needs to focus on providing a stable fiscal framework, improving infrastructure, ensuring safety and security, and enhancing the education system to produce a skilled workforce.
Johannesburg’s future, then, may depend not only on government intervention, but also on creating an environment in which the private sector can thrive. However, this also requires tackling systemic issues such as corruption, poor governance, and the inefficiency of public services – issues that have hindered the city’s potential for decades.
Despite its challenges, Johannesburg remains central to South Africa’s economy. The city still generates a significant portion of the country’s gross domestic product and its industries – from mining and finance to manufacturing and IT – continue to provide opportunities.
As Johannesburg moves forward, its success will depend on finding a balance between government policies, private-sector investment, and addressing the structural issues that continue to hold back its residents. The city’s future remains bright, but the journey toward fulfilling the promises of 1994 is far from complete.
Johannesburg’s future is delicately balanced. The city’s towering skyline symbolises potential, but for many people, the ground beneath their feet remains shaky. As the government grapples with unemployment and inequality, the private sector’s role becomes ever more critical. Yet, until systemic issues like corruption and poor governance are addressed, the dream of true economic equality remains just that.
FEATURED IMAGE: Woman coming from a stokvel meeting. Photo: Lona Sokanyile
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