MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 178/ 2010
11 MARCH 2010


Yesterday, the Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato and the Mitchells Plain Sub-Council Chairperson, Councillor Natalie Bent, visited the Mitchells Plain Town Centre to personally follow up on the Mayor’s two visits and walk-about in the Town Centre towards the end of last year.

The Mayor was hugely encouraged to see that the walkways and lanes were clear of all the structures, pallets and boxes that cluttered the walkways, hindered pedestrians and the commuters in their use and enjoyment of the pedestrian mall.

The Mayor was met by a group of 15 informal traders who expressed themselves most vociferously regarding their no longer being permitted to trade in the pedestrian walkways.

The Mayor listened to these traders and addressed them, informing them that he was most concerned that they had not applied for trading permits. He said that the City was obliged to treat all applications for permits fairly, without fear or favour, but if traders refused to apply for trading sites, he was not in a position to assist them. He urged the traders to make application for trading bays. Responding to allegations of corruption, he again urged traders to substantiate these allegations.

After the inspection the Mayor said he is glad that the clear majority of the traders have applied for permits and willingly moved into the new markets and squares. He said that he “is now looking forward to the continuing of the upgrading of the Town Centre”. He deeply regrets that a small group of traders have chosen not to apply for permits, and have chosen to intimidate those who have applied for permits. He re-emphasized that those who do not have permits will simply not be permitted to set up their informal trading stands.

The Mayor noted that there has been a very enthusiastic and positive response from informal traders, formal traders, property owners, retailers and commuters to their being able to walk down the pedestrian mall. Those traders who are in the market and squares say they are doing very good business. Food outlets are also putting tables and chairs in front of their businesses for people to sit down, relax and enjoy refreshments - something that has not been seen in the Town Centre for absolute ages.

“I wish to emphasize that the City would like to see the Mitchells Plain Town Centre realize its full potential as a premier shopping destination, particularly for the metropolitan south east” said the Mayor.

Photos are available on request. Please respond to the issuing e-mail address or contact Rulleska Singh.


END

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CAPE TOWN


MEDIA QUERIES:
RULLESKA SINGH
MEDIA SPOKESPERSON FOR MAYOR PLATO
TEL: 021 400 1257 CELL: 082 402 4825