The City is set to begin the implementation of initiatives to improve conditions for those working in Cape Town’s informal economy further, after Council approved the Economic Growth budget.
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, explains these projects make tangible the City’s desire to get the basics right and further upgrade the work environments of informal traders.
In total, R53 million has been allocated over the next three years for the continued development of Cape Town’s informal economy space.
“Of this, R19 million is earmarked for projects within the next financial year. This includes the expansion and improvement of council’s e-permitting system and this will further our ability to support and engage the sector through smarter, more interactive e-applications,” Vos explained.
It includes a capital expenditure pipeline of projects to provide smarter, more dignified and accessible trading spaces.
This comprises infrastructure upgrades to Uluntu Plaza in Blackheath, business hives in Atlantis and a detailed design of the Wallacedene Container Market.
Vos said where possible trading places will also be Wi-Fi-enabled, and Council had also agreed to a zero increase in trading permits for the next financial year.
This will come into effect on 1 January 2023. This on top of last week’s council decision to extend the informal trading permit relief from the currently agreed date of 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022.
“While traders have largely been able to do business for a few months now, many are struggling with the severe impact of Covid-19 and the related national lockdown and are still trying to put their businesses back on a sustainable footing,” Vos explained.
“I am exceptionally proud to have motivated for this budget, which will help us build a more inclusive Cape Town economy that acknowledges and supports the significant contribution of informal traders.
“We’ve worked closely with officials and the informal sector across Cape Town to better understand traders’ needs within their specific environments over the last few months.
“Our work continues and I will continue to motivate for more funding for development of other sites.
“This budget will also allow the City to expand on the range of programmes and platforms geared to assist Cape Town’s small businesses.”
He encouraged small business owners to reach out via informal.trading@capetown.gov.za to find out about various training workshops or to sign-up for the online sessions listed here https://www.investcapetown.com/news-events/business-events/.
