Alderman James Vos, the mayoral committee member for economic growth, expressed his pride in announcing that the City was progressing with an extensive series of infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing informal trading sites throughout the metropolitan area.
This advancement follows the endorsement of the budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
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Alderman Vos stated that these projects include the renovation of existing sites in key areas like Athlone, Blue Downs and Philippi. Additionally, new opportunities are in development at locations such as Somerset West, Masiphumelele and Pelican Park.
The firsthand assessment of requirements has fortified the City’s dedication to its mission of improving dignified and accessible locales for traders and patrons to interact. The unveiling of fresh prospects for local traders is eagerly anticipated, with the inauguration of new sites such as Thembokwezi Market in Khayelitsha.
Notably, in Wallacedene, a container trading market is poised for construction on a site currently serving as an unauthorised dumping site.
In addition to the technical aspects, Alderman James Vos is directing attention towards streamlining the trading permit application process through an upgraded e-permitting system. A total budget of R56 million has been allocated for these initiatives in the upcoming fiscal year.
Complementing the infrastructure undertakings, the City is also furnishing traders and emerging entrepreneurs with an array of skill development programmes.
Recognising that traders’ needs extend beyond infrastructure, the City aims to facilitate the refinement of their business acumen. The forthcoming training sessions will encompass topics such as engaging in business with the City, product enhancement and digital marketing.
These efforts augment the training dispensed by the City’s Business Hub, which reached out to 3 285 aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the preceding fiscal year through 79 workshops spanning subjects like smart procurement and construction management.
‘The City recognises the invaluable role of the informal economy in giving many Capetonians a livelihood, a stepping stone into the formal economy and in helping communities access goods and services on their doorstep. This is also why I was proud to back a proposal approved by Council for a zero percentage increase on informal trading permits for the 2023/2024 financial year,’ said Alderman Vos.
The trajectory of enhancing trading conditions across the metropolitan area is a priority, aligning with the long-term strategy to invigorate Cape Town’s informal economy. One instance of this commitment is evident in Mitchells Plain and Gatesville, where the team is diligently crafting design and multi-year development plans for trading sites.
‘This tangible support is bearing fruit on sites where upgrades have already taken place. For example, the Blackheath Business Hive, which I officially launched earlier this year, has become a bustling trading hub. In several weeks, I will also cut the ribbon at the Atlantis Business Hive following developments there.’
The City is currently reviewing public feedback on its mobile business policy.
Alderman James Vos encourages traders to establish contact with the team through [email protected] to explore the myriad training workshops available or to register for the online sessions here.
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Picture: City of Cape Town