Township commerce thrived long before democracy

The article highlights how townships in South Africa developed robust economic systems long before the advent of democracy, relying on grassroots institutions like stokvels and informal markets to drive entrepreneurship and mobility. This reveals a deep-rooted resilience and ingenuity within these communities, underscoring the importance of understanding and integrating these informal economic practices into broader national economic strategies. By recognizing the historical significance of these self-sustaining systems, policymakers can better address contemporary economic challenges and foster inclusive growth.