Date: 2025-11-04 13:20:50

Elation As Informal Traders Relocate To Centrum Park

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ELATION AS INFORMAL TRADERS RELOCATE TO CENTRUM PARK

There was jubilation and renewed hope this morning as several informal traders from The Workshop area were relocated to the newly designated trading site, Centrum Park.

The initiative forms part of the City’s ongoing efforts to educate, empower, and provide clean and safe designated trading sites for informal traders. 

It supports the broader drive to formalise the informal economy, which contributes approximately R4 billion annually to the City’s GDP.

Leading up to today’s relocation, robust engagements were held between City officials and informal traders. 

Today’s successful event is the outcome of these constructive engagements.

The move is part of the Inner-City Regeneration Programme conducted under Operation Gijima, with multidisciplinary teams currently revamping the old trading site to ensure hygienic conditions, attract visitors, and provide sufficient walking space.

Thobile Ngcobo, Senior Manager from the Supply Side and Area-Based Directorate, commended the engagement process. 

" We had productive negotiations and reached an amicable agreement beneficial to all parties,” she said. 

Sebenzile Mchunu, a relocated trader, expressed her delight. “We are very happy with the new site; it is conducive for trading."

Khulekani Mkhize, another beneficiary, added. "This site is beautiful and offers much more space for trading compared to the previous location."

The operation also addressed several service delivery concerns, including street sweeping, repairing streetlights, weed removal, clearing sand from stormwater drains, removing illegal dumps, and enforcing by-laws.

EThekwini Municipality continues to invest in and implement a range of informal economy projects aimed at improving working conditions for informal business operators. 

These initiatives are designed to create dignified workspaces that enhance productivity, attract customers, and support the sustainability and growth of these businesses.

The Municipality remains fully committed to supporting the sector through skills development, capacity-building training, and infrastructure development.

During a recently held Informal Economy Development Summit, the City presented its bold plans to further develop the sector. 

The summit provided a platform for informal traders, sectoral organisations, and stakeholders to discuss strategies and support mechanisms for this vital part of the economy.

Key projects include:

• Dalton Art and Craft Market (Ward 32): R10 million upgrade, including building renovations and drainage improvements, benefiting 50 traders.

• Mansel Road Market (Ward 26): R15 million upgrade, including new ablution facilities, benefiting 180 traders.

• Tongaat Trader Market (Ward 61): R2.5 million upgrade, benefiting 35 traders.

• Bovine Market in Warwick Avenue (Ward 28): R10 million upgrade, benefiting 42 traders.

• Klaarwater Business Hive (Ward 17): R4.3 million upgrade, accommodating 26 traders.

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.