Soweto urban area, economy and government - - Pictures
The kombi (minibus) taxi industry is the largest commercial activity in Soweto. Informal shops and services make up the bulk of other economic activities. Most Sowetans with jobs commute to Johannesburg by bus, train, or taxi. Soweto depends on Johannesburg for most of its communications outlets, including the popular Sowetan newspaper.
In 1973 administrative control of Soweto was transferred from the Johannesburg City Council to the underfinanced West Rand Administration Board and subsequently the Soweto City Council. In 1995 Soweto and Johannesburg were brought under a single Greater Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council that also administers the township of Alexandra and more than 400 suburbs of Johannesburg. The reintegration of Soweto and Johannesburg has allowed Soweto to share tax revenues from commercial and industrial businesses in the Greater Johannesburg area. Soweto is also administered under a second-tier Southern Metropolitan Council. The councils will operate until the implementation of a final model of local government.
