| Council approves cut on Informal Trading tariffs | Council approves cut on Informal Trading tariffs | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Business%20grants%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p><strong>STATEMENT BY THE CITY'S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ALDERMAN JAMES VOS</strong><br></p><p><strong><strong><em>Today I have the pleasure of announcing the City Council's approval of a 30% cut in Informal Trading tariffs for the 2024/2025 financial year. </em></strong><br></strong></p> | <p></p><p>This decreased tariff can be seen as a direct contribution by the City to informal traders in Cape Town, whom we recognise as significant contributors to the local economy and the livelihoods of many residents. By reducing the tariff, traders will have more money in their pockets to buy stock, thereby boosting their profits, and ultimately resulting in more money circulating in the communities they serve.</p><p>The tariff cut falls under an umbrella of initiatives by the City to make life easier for traders. It is also worth noting that the issuing of trading permits is one of the 10 indicators in our Ease of Doing Business Index launched in 2023 and already we have seen progress in this regard. <br></p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/DSC_7668.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:980px;" /> </figure></span><p>Last year, the average period for a permit to be issued following an application was 40 days and through consistent efforts, our team has successfully reduced the median processing time to 23 days. We are continuing to refine our processes to further reduce these times. Our aim is not only to expedite the issuance of informal trading permits, but also to minimise the number of visits informal traders need to make to our offices. By streamlining the permit application process, we will make it even easier for traders to work. </p><p> </p><p>In the 2024/2025 financial year, the City will further reinforce its commitment to Cape Town's informal economy and small businesses with a R141 million budget for infrastructure developments and upgrades, and the provision of business support programmes. These will build on the extensive upgrades undertaken in the last two years. </p><p> </p><p>This past year alone, we concluded projects such as the Atlantis Business Hive and the upgrade to the Mamre Business Hive. Also completed was the construction of a container market in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, featuring facilities that will provide support to traders, including ablutions, parking, a food court, and a refuse area. </p><p> </p><p>Going forward, our projects include the refurbishment of existing sites including in Mitchells Plain, Athlone, Happy Valley, and Seaforth in Simonstown, and developing new opportunities in areas including Masiphumelele, Durbanville, Bo-Kaap, Elsies River and Gatesville. The development of these spaces follows thorough and ongoing communication with on-site traders, communities and the relevant organisations who gave a unique and thorough insight that helps us to fulfil our mission to enhance dignified and accessible trading sites. </p><p> </p><p>Among the concerns raised by traders was that of insufficient trading bays. </p><p> </p><p>The City is planning to build additional trading bays through Council-approved trading plans, driving entrepreneurship and economic activity. </p><p> </p><p>Our initiatives are carefully designed to empower traders, facilitate easier access to the formal economy and enable business owners to scale their businesses more effectively. I will continue to push for the improvement of trading conditions across the City of Cape Town as it forms a crucial part of our long-term strategy to boost Cape Town's economy. </p><p> </p><p>I encourage all traders to engage with our team via <a href="mailto:informal.trading@capetown.gov.za">informal.trading@capetown.gov.za</a>. Those interested in training can also sign up for online sessions at <a href="https://www.investcapetown.com/news-events/business-events/">https://www.investcapetown.com/news-events/business-events/</a>.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Caption: </strong>Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth with trader, Vivienne Amansure.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><br></p> | 2024-06-02T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#db013e92-654a-4823-97a5-1344dfc0a2d5;L0|#0db013e92-654a-4823-97a5-1344dfc0a2d5|informal trade management;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#605b2530-1df0-4fa1-b0f3-4a9e4688796b;L0|#0605b2530-1df0-4fa1-b0f3-4a9e4688796b|Tarrif;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
