In an effort to develop informal trading and create a conducive environment for co- existence, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has given a major boost to Ziyabuya Shopping Mall informal traders by donating much needed business support infrastructure.
The metro has invested in fencing, ablution facilities, paving and trading facilities for the informal traders operating within the area.
The support that has been warmly received by the 30 beneficiaries include, tailor- made containers to improve and uplift their respective businesses and enhance trading experiences for both the business and their respective customers.
These beneficiaries are trading in food, run salons, and selling general goods like arts and crafts.
Speaking at the handover event the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Garry van Niekerk said: “It is important that informal traders can operate in an environment conducive for business, an environment that is clean and secure. It must also be an environment in which the residents can feel safe”
“The informal sector which forms most of the township economy has its fingers have their on the pulse, they are at interface with communities and understand the needs. They create the backbone of the metros economy. It is critical that as the metro we support them to grow and co-exist with well established business” said the Executive Mayor Van Niekerk.
One of the beneficiaries, Olga Speelman said the donation will assist them in improving the conditions of their business.
“The improved environment will attract more business and growth. We are grateful that even the precinct had been improved for easy access for customers,” said Speelman.
The South African informal trading sector accounted for R157 billion in 2019.
The Executive Mayor has called on the financial sector and other relevant government agencies to provide capital, training, and infrastructure, and other
business-related support that will transform this sector into a thriving industry for the benefit of our local community and economy.
The informal economy is estimated at 17% of the country’s total employment percentage. South Africa currently has got an unemployment rate of more than 30%.
NMB Communications
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