The City of Cape Town is hosting a series of round-table discussions with informal traders to create a platform where they can raise concerns about the challenges they face in their trading environment. This forum is also an ideal opportunity to address traders’ frequently asked questions. The information gathered is then used to develop area-specific operational plans.

Community engagement

More than 70 informal traders from the greater Site C area of Khayelitsha gathered in the local community hall in Site C to table issues that they identify as hampering their day-to-day operations.

The discussions were very interactive and centred around crime and cleansing, informal trading infrastructure, management of the trading areas, and the City’s presence in the area. The City shared information on the infrastructure improvements that are envisaged for the area as well as the economic development opportunities that are available.

Local community leaders were in attendance, along with representatives from the United Khayelitsha Informal Traders Association and the Nolungile Traders Association from Site C.

City collaborating to improve trading conditions

'These interactive round-table discussions are proving to be fruitful for both the traders and City. It gives us a clear indication of what the concerns are on the ground that we need to address. The engagements are 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 them to ply their trade, in line with our commitment to building a city of opportunity,' said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Councillor Garreth Bloor.

Since October 2015, a total of 18 round-table sessions have been held, with two more scheduled to take place by the end of June this year.

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