The City of Cape Town approved nine trading plans on Wednesday 27 May, unlocking 693 new trading bays across the metro. Eerste River is among the areas set to benefit.

New trading opportunities expanded

The new bays will bring the total number of City-provided trading opportunities to around 6 060 across Cape Town. Other areas getting a boost include the Cape Town CBD — covering Greenmarket Square, St George’s Mall, the Company’s Garden and roadside trading spots — as well as Bo-Kaap, Durbanville, Hanover Park market and Atlantis.

New markets are also being planned for Masiphumelele, Mitchells Plain and Wallacedene. Mayco member for economic growth James Vos called it a major milestone. “Today’s approval means nearly 700 more opportunities for residents to earn an income, support their families and grow small businesses,” he said.

He added that this was the biggest number of trading opportunities approved at a single Council meeting during the current term. The plans were put together with input from ward councillors, subcouncil chairpersons, community organisations and officials from the public trading department.

Trafalgar Place

The approved plans do not yet cover the Trafalgar Place Flower Market. The City is still drafting a trading plan for that site and will include feedback from traders before it is finalised.

The City is also reviewing its Informal Trading Policy. Trader associations are already involved in the process on a voluntary basis, ahead of a broader public participation process later this year. Proposed improvements for traders include more trading opportunities, fairer permit allocation, better infrastructure, stronger business support and greater economic inclusion. Residents will be invited to comment once the draft policy is ready for public participation.

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