Ten years later, the Masiphumelele community and informal traders in the area can finally look forward to growing their business in a vibrant environment after Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially opened the long-anticipated Masiphumelele Gateway Market on Monday 4 May.
Joined by Mayco member for economic growth James Vos, the mayor cut the ribbon on the new trading hub, situated along Kommetjie Road. The facility replaces what had for years been an informal, poorly serviced trading area with a modern, purpose-built space designed to meet the needs of both traders and customers.
The market will accommodate approximately 57 informal trading opportunities, including retail kiosks, food preparation areas and space for small-scale manufacturing. Five of the kiosks are large enough to support light industrial activity, offering emerging entrepreneurs the chance to expand beyond basic retail. The site also includes an office block, parking, public seating and essential services, contributing to a safer and more organised trading environment.
Speaking at the opening, Hill-Lewis highlighted the transformation of the site from what he described as an undignified and neglected area into a vibrant, functional marketplace.
“For years, this space was messy, muddy and lacked even the most basic amenities. It was also an eyesore. Today, that has changed completely. We now have a dignified, well-designed trading market that serves the community and restores pride to traders,” he said.
The Mayor added that the project forms part of a broader City investment exceeding R400 million aimed at upgrading informal trading infrastructure across Cape Town. These upgrades are intended not only to improve working conditions for traders, but also to stimulate local economic growth and create safer public spaces.
The Masiphumelele Gateway Market has been more than a decade in the making, following sustained advocacy from community stakeholders, the subcouncil and local organisations. Construction of the approximately R14 million facility followed extensive public participation processes and engagement with informal traders to ensure that the final design reflects their needs.
The site, located near a busy taxi rank, is expected to serve residents from Masiphumelele, Ocean View, Kommetjie and surrounding areas. It aims to formalise trading activity that previously took place on pavements and roads, often under unsafe and unhygienic conditions.
Vos emphasised that the City’s approach to informal trading goes beyond infrastructure provision.
“Our goal is not just to build facilities, but to create spaces that are safe, dignified and responsive to the needs of local traders, businesses and residents,” he said.
He noted that the Masiphumelele project is one of several trading initiatives completed in the past year. Other developments include the Bo-Kaap Market, Wallacedene Container Market, Somerset West trading kiosks and the Macassar trading structure, as well as upgrades to existing facilities such as Happy Valley, Uluntu Plaza and Seaforth trading areas.
Further projects are already underway, including developments at the 4th Avenue Market in Mitchells Plain and the Vuyani public transport interchange, as the City continues to expand its network of trading infrastructure.
“These projects are carefully planned to respond to the specific needs of each community, while strengthening a broader ecosystem of small businesses and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in Cape Town’s economy,” Vos said.
In addition to economic benefits, the new market is expected to improve public safety and reduce congestion in the area by relocating traders from busy roads and pavements into a dedicated, well-managed space. The development also addresses long-standing environmental concerns, transforming what was once described as a dumping site into a clean and attractive public area.
Subcouncil representatives previously welcomed the project, noting that it would help reduce littering, improve traffic flow and create a more pleasant environment for both residents and commuters.
The development has already contributed to job creation during the construction phase, with local labour employed on the project.
Vendor applications are currently being processed, with trading set to begin later this month. The City has indicated that the allocation process is being managed to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
