Date: 2025-10-10 08:04:27

Building empowerment through compliance in the informal economy

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9 OCTOBER 2025

BUILDING EMPOWERMENT THROUGH COMPLIANCE IN THE INFORMAL ECONOMY

The eThekwini Municipality’s ongoing efforts to promote compliance through education, support, and enforcement have paid off. 

Eleven traders who were previously operating illegally under the Workshop Bridge have now been issued legal trading permits and relocated to the fully serviced Centrum Site after following all due processes. The site offers shelters, 24-hour security, and cleaning services.

There was relief and excitement when these traders were called on stage during the 4th eThekwini Informal Traders Summit, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, from 7 to 8 October. They expressed joy at finally operating within the law, free from fear of police confiscations.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said this marks “enforcement turning into empowerment and restoring dignity to those who contribute daily to the City’s economy.” 

He added: “We don’t want to confiscate anyone’s goods, but by-laws must be respected as open spaces belong to all and pedestrians have the right to walk freely.”

Councillor Ntuli encouraged traders and the public to apply for vacant trading stalls available in various regions until 24 October. 

“Our approach to enforcement goes hand-in-hand with education and opportunity. When traders operate legally and safely, we build trust, promote dignity, and grow our local economy,” he said.

Further demonstrating its commitment to empowerment, 29 informal traders trained under the Informal Economy Support Programme each received business support vouchers worth R6 000 to purchase stock and essential resources.

The summit brought together traders, stakeholders, and City leaders for engagement and collaboration, as well as to review informal traders’ by-laws. 

Among those in attendance were representatives from the Department of Small Business Development, the Small Enterprise Development Agency, the National Youth Development Agency, and Standard Bank, who presented opportunities for business growth and access to finance.

In a major announcement, the City committed R375 million over the next three years to improve trading infrastructure. 

Projects include small business centres, container parks in Sibusiso Mdakane and Umlazi BB, the Berea Herbs Market, the Warwick Bovine Head Market upgrade, the Dalton Hostel Art and Craft Hive, and an automotive hub in KwaMashu.

The summit concluded with the inaugural eThekwini Informal Traders Recognition Awards, celebrating traders for compliance, creativity, and community impact.

Mandisa Gwexa founder of Nailed It, a 26-year-old from Marianhill, who trades at KwaNdengezi and won under the Youth-Owned Informal Businesses category, shared her story: 

“After studying Environmental Management and struggling to find a job, I grabbed this opportunity with both hands. I now run my own business and employ seven people.”

Other categories included Best Compliance Trader, Job Creation Champion, and Informal Innovative Services.

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.