| City to undertake wide-ranging R56m informal trading developments | City to undertake wide-ranging R56m informal trading developments | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>Statement by the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos.<br></p><p>I’m proud to share that the City is moving ahead with a wide-ranging schedule of infrastructure initiatives for informal trading sites across the metro following the approval of the 2023/2024 financial year budget.<br></p> | <p></p><span><p></p><div>The projects include the refurbishment of existing sites in areas such as Athlone, Blue Downs and Philippi, and the development of new opportunities in places such as Somerset West, Masiphumelele, and Pelican Park. </div><div><br></div><div>The development or re-design of these spaces follows thorough ongoing site visits and engagements with traders, communities and concerned organisations. We saw first-hand what the needs were and are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance dignified and accessible sites for traders and customers to engage. With the development of new sites like Thembokwezi Market in Khayelitsha, I’m excited to see the fresh opportunities that will open up for local traders. In Wallacedene, we will start construction of a container trading market on a site that is currently being used as an unlawful dumping site. <br></div>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/ITD%201.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1583px;" /> </figure></span><span><p></p><div>On the technical side, I am also focused on finding ways to streamline the trading permit application process with the revamped e-permitting system. </div><div><br></div><div>Overall, R56 million has been budgeted for projects over the next financial year. </div><div><br></div><div>In addition to the infrastructure projects, the City provides traders and emerging entrepreneurs with a wide range of skills development programmes. <br></div>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/ITD%202.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:802px;" /> </figure></span><span><p></p><div>Traders’ needs aren’t just around infrastructure. We also want to help them further develop their business skills. Training being offered in the coming weeks will cover matters such as how to do business with the City, product development and digital marketing. </div><div><br></div><div>This is in addition to training offered by the City’s Business Hub which reached 3 285 budding and existing entrepreneurs in the previous financial year through the 79 workshops it conducted on smart procurement and construction management, among other topics.</div><div><br></div><div>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. <br></div>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/ITD%203.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:932px;" /> </figure></span><div>I will continue to push for the improvement of trading conditions across the metro, as part of our long-term strategy to boost Cape Town’s informal economy. For example, in Mitchells Plain and Gatesville, our team is working on the design and multi-year development plans for sites. </div><div><br></div><div>This tangible support is bearing fruit on sites where upgrades have already taken place. For example, the Blackheath Business Hive that 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. </div><div><br></div><div>And because we are also a City government that is open to experimenting with new approaches to markets and regulations, our team is currently working through public feedback received about our mobile business policy. </div><div><br></div><div>I encourage traders to engage with our team via informal.trading@capetown.gov.za to find out about all the training workshops they can be part of or sign up for the online sessions listed here https://www.investcapetown.com/news-events/business-events/.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Caption 1:</strong> Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth with a vendor in Blackheath</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Caption 2</strong>: Construction under way at a market site in Kuils River</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Caption 3:</strong> The business hives at the Dunoon Public Transport Interchange</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>End</strong><br></div><p><br></p> | 2023-08-22T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#040c9e89-9f9b-4f44-80db-6d80a5962434;L0|#0040c9e89-9f9b-4f44-80db-6d80a5962434|informal traders;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#c5e60ff7-df8e-4541-8068-1c874082b09d;L0|#0c5e60ff7-df8e-4541-8068-1c874082b09d|Job creation;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#c7863ab0-d784-46f9-a426-b623b7bde93c;L0|#0c7863ab0-d784-46f9-a426-b623b7bde93c|Work opportunities;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
