The Mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, has confirmed that Owen Street in Mthatha will soon be designated as a flea market space.
Speaking about the initiative, Councillor Nelani highlighted the municipality’s recent O.R. Tambo Business Awareness event and the KSD Local Municipality Flea Market, where small business owners showcased their work. He emphasised that support from both the government and the private sector is available to assist local stakeholders who sell various goods under the municipality’s jurisdiction.
“We want to nurture the interests of small business owners and ensure that this initiative achieves its intended purpose. We are pleased to see them understanding the benefits and support they can receive from the government. Additionally, private sector involvement is crucial, as these entities can provide valuable guidance and assistance,” said Councillor Nelani.
He stated that plans are already underway to close Owen Street and repurpose it as a flea market. He noted that they want to avoid surprising the public when this occurs. Nelani added that their aim is to make it easier for people to access what they need.
Nelani projected that the project would be well underway by 2025. He also mentioned that the municipality has received some grants from the National Treasury to support detailed planning, ensuring a clear roadmap for implementation. “As we speak, service providers are finalising the necessary groundwork, and they are nearing completion.”
The Director of Kulumilo Co-operative, Simthembile Rozani, said that as a farmer, this initiative will benefit him as he will have a dedicated place to sell his products. “Even if I attend once or twice, it will help me a lot. This flea market will not be a one-off event if they fulfil their promise, and my hope is that it becomes ongoing so that our businesses can grow,” said Rozani.
