In a bid to bolster the local economy and empower informal traders, the City’s Economic Growth Directorate is launching initiatives aimed at developing and revitalising markets and informal trade infrastructure across various regions, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Planned water supply disruptions for these Cape Town areas this week
According to the City, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, visited the Wallacedene Gateway Market where major upgrades are under way.
The Wallacedene Gateway Market in Kraaifontein will feature infrastructure improvements, including water and electricity connections, at the corner of Botfontein and Boesak Roads.
‘The proposed development will see 26 shipping containers modified into shops, a braai area, stage, refuse and parking area, ablution facilities, and fencing around the market boundary,’ says Vos.
‘This will open up numerous job opportunities in the broader community and fulfil our mandate of creating accessible facilities for traders.’
The Wallacedene Market is among several informal trading areas being revitalised, with ongoing projects in Pelican Park and Simon’s Town, and planned upgrades in Bo-Kaap, Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Kuils River, and Gatesville.
These developments aim to modernise facilities, enhance safety, and improve trading efficiency.
These upgrades are part of the City of Cape Town’s broader support for informal traders, which includes a 30% reduction in informal trading tariffs approved by the Council for the 2024/2025 financial year.
‘The reduced tariffs mean more money for traders to buy stock or otherwise support their growth plans, ultimately resulting in more money circulating in the communities they serve.’
Alongside infrastructure projects, the Business Hub within the City’s Department of Enterprise and Investment offers ongoing skills development programs for traders.
These include workshops on Budgeting Fundamentals, Marketing and Sales, Supervisory Skills, Team Management, and Business Improvement.
‘These ventures all speak to the City’s commitment to supporting Cape Town’s informal economy, which is a key contributor to economic growth, providing goods and services to communities, and most importantly, in sustaining livelihoods for people and their families,’ said Vos.
Also read:
Shark Spotters to investigate suspected shark bite incident at Cape Town beach
Picture: City of Cape Town