City and Woodstock informal traders work together
23 May 2016
Over 30 informal traders from Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory and as far away as Camps Bay gathered to discuss issues that hamper their day-to-day operations. The discussions were very interactive and centred around trading infrastructure, the size of trading bays, law enforcement and economic development opportunities.
Round-table discussions on informal trading
The event is part of a series of round-table discussions across the city to share information with informal traders and to address their concerns. It also provides an opportunity to address frequently asked questions and to create a platform for informal traders to raise area-specific concerns. This information then feeds into developing area-specific operational plans.
Local community leaders, Hudson McComb from the Observatory City Improvement District, and Ashley Searle from the Consumer Protector also attended. Mr McComb said he was aware of some of the issues raised by the traders and the City is currently in discussions with his office and the community to find alternatives and solutions.
‘These round-table sessions have been about finding workable solutions to concerns raised and are being well received and appreciated by the traders. We will continue to work with the traders to look at how to create a more conducive environment for informal trading. This is line with our commitment to building a city of opportunity.
Informal sector a key to poverty reduction
‘When we look at the bigger picture and at the economy in its entirety, the informal sector is a source of employment for more than 160 000 individuals. It is estimated that without informal sector income, the poverty rate in the city would be 25,1%. Once its income contribution is taken into account, the poverty rate is reduced to 20,6% (a reduction of 4,5%). The 4,5 percentage-point reduction in Cape Town’s poverty rate is equivalent to pulling 186 000 individuals out of poverty,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Councillor Garreth Bloor.
Since October 2015, a total of 15 round-table sessions have been held, with seven more scheduled to take place by the end of June this year.
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