Cape Town: City boosts informal economy to 800 new trading opportunities. The city council has approved four major informal trading plans in key areas around Cape Town.
Reportedly, the City of Cape Town has unlocked a total of almost 800 trading opportunities. Underlining the plans for the Grand Parade in Cape Town CBD, Mamre and Pella near Atlantis, Gatesville, and Elsies River.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos said that these plans are not just about regulation, they are about practical improvements that support local traders and stimulate economic activity.
Vos stated, “We’ve pushed to get them approved because I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact they’ve had in areas where similar interventions have been implemented.”
The plan included major points, such as:
- Improved infrastructure of trading bays and the surrounding spaces
- Also, giving permits to previously unpermitted traders, which would make it easier for them to access various City support mechanisms
- By improving compliance in line with the Informal Trading By-law
Alderman James Vos further stated that the plans also propose 42 trading bays for Mamre and Pella, 60 for Elsies River, 265 for Gatesville (of which 116 bays are new opportunities), and an incredible 416 for the Grand Parade.
According to him, this will massively expand economic opportunities for not only hundreds of traders, but also for an entire value chain.
“I really enjoy engaging with traders and hearing directly from them about what is needed,” said James Vos.
He mentioned that these plans are shaped by such conversations and are designed to create cleaner, safer, and more functional trading spaces – the kind that attract customers and help businesses to grow.
Moreover, this is about creating well-managed environments that benefit everyone including: traders, customers, and the broader community. It is part of the broader work to unlock opportunities and strengthen local economies across the city.