Tshwane’s informal traders and entrepreneurs are set to benefit from the construction of 60 new trading stalls next to the Tshwane Retail Market in Marabastad.
The project forms part of the City of Tshwane’s Economic Revitalisation Strategy, which seeks to support small, micro and medium enterprises and improve conditions for informal traders and entrepreneurs operating in the city.
Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, said the traders and entrepreneurs who will occupy the new stalls will come from diverse backgrounds. Special inclusion will be for food vendors who sell vegetables in the Marabastad area.
“This project forms part of the Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy. The traders will be from diverse backgrounds with a special inclusion of food mamas who sell vegetables in the Marabastad area,” said Moya.
She added that the development responds to long-standing gaps in the market’s inclusivity.
“There was a need to build the market stalls, the first to be built in post-Apartheid South Africa in the Capital City. When we first visited this area, we found that the Tshwane Retail Market lacked inclusion and diversity. We want to end this practice by expanding trading space in this key trading environment,” she said.
Improved facilities for traders and customers
MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale said the facility will provide a clean, organised, and compliant environment for traders, entrepreneurs and customers alike.
The development follows previous enforcement actions in the area, where some traders were removed due to non-compliance with permits, health and safety regulations. While these crackdowns caused uncertainty, the new stalls are seen as a step towards balancing regulation with economic inclusion.
Some entrepreneurs and informal traders expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as an opportunity to grow their businesses.
A local trader, Thabo Mosimanga, welcomed the initiative.
“This issue used to give us sleepless nights as we couldn’t get a place to sell as locals. Now there is progress that we can actually see,” he said.
Other small business owners said access to formalised trading space could help them attract more customers, increase income, and operate with greater stability.
“Nowadays Marabastad is even popular on social media, so I will apply for the trading licence as I know customers will come,” said resident from Philip Nel, Lesedi Montsho.
“I want to start a small business as I’m unemployed, and thanks to the minister for being so thoughtful”.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs said they are willing to comply with municipal regulations if it ensures a secure trading spot.
If successful, the Marabastad development could provide a model for supporting informal traders and entrepreneurs by combining infrastructure investment with regulatory guidance.
The City of Tshwane expects the project to be completed in July 2026.
