Leaders from government, business, and civil society convened in Heidelberg, Gauteng, for a landmark symposium addressing the socio-economic impact of de-industrialisation in South Africa’s small towns.
Co-hosted by the South African Chamber of Commerce and the Lesedi Black Business Forum, the event explored how industrial exits and closures have transformed local economies and livelihoods, with case studies focusing on Lichtenburg, Komati, Butterworth, and Zwelitsha.