Stellenbosch Municipality officially opened the new Kayamandi Bridge Exchange Hub, marking an important investment in the community and the broader economic potential of the area.

The R7,9 million facility provides a modern, enclosed and secure space for commuters, informal traders and businesses, with lock-up facilities and improved infrastructure designed to support economic activity in one of Kayamandi’s busiest areas.

Speaking at the official opening on Thursday 13 August, mayor Jeremy Fasser said the project was about far more than constructing a new facility.

“This is not simply a new facility. It is an investment in Kayamandi, in the people who live and work here and in the economic future of this part of Stellenbosch.”

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‘Practical investment’

The hub responds to a need that has been identified by the Kayamandi community over a number of years, following extensive discussion on the need for a safer, more appropriate and functional space for traders and commuters.

The new facility provides a significant improvement on informal trading conditions, while bringing greater structure and order to an area used by thousands of people every day.

“The fact that we can stand here today and open a modern, enclosed, safe and lockable facility is remarkable,” said Fasser. “This is something the community has spoken about and needed for years, and we are very pleased to see that need translated into a practical investment that residents can use every day.”

The facility also strengthens the connection between Kayamandi and the greater Stellenbosch economy. Thousands of people travel between Kayamandi, the Stellenbosch CBD and surrounding communities for work, education, business and other opportunities daily.

The hub is already beginning to show its potential, with a number of businesses now operating from the facility, including various food outlets, a nail salon and a proudly Kayamandi-based clothing brand.

“These businesses are an early indication of the economic activity and opportunities that this facility can unlock, and we are confident that the hub will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Take ownership

The municipality extended its gratitude to its partners and friends at the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for their partnership and support in making the project possible.

The Kayamandi Bridge Exchange Hub is also being positioned as the first of a number of similar investments aimed at unlocking the full potential of existing municipal markets and trading spaces across Stellenbosch.

The municipality is looking ahead at opportunities to undertake similar upgrades at the Cloetesville Market and Ida’s Valley Market, with the aim of upgrading these facilities in a similar fashion.

“We see this as the beginning of something bigger,” said Fasser. “We want to look at what we can do at our other markets to unlock their full potential. The Cloetesville Market and Idas Valley Market are part of that conversation. So, watch this space!”

The municipality calls on residents, traders and commuters to take ownership of the facility.

“The growth of Stellenbosch must create opportunities across all our communities,” said Fasser. “Kayamandi is important here, an important part of its economic future.”

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