Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has officially re-opened the KwaNtozonke Market in Mthatha, following its closure for almost a year for much-needed renovations.
The renovation project was funded by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), to the tune of R11.7 million.
Ndabeni-Abrahams said the upgrading of the facility was part of the implementation of the Department of Small Business Development’s Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility (SEIF) programme.
Through the SEIF, the department seeks to provide SMMEs and the informal sector with decent facilities to conduct their businesses, and to create a conducive operational environment.
Small business owners started operating from the revamped facility at the beginning of March this year.
Ndabeni-Abrahams officially re-opened the market, amid fanfare from 71 small business owners operating from that location, on April 4.
Twenty temporary job opportunities were created for unemployed locals during the renovation period, through the Expanded Public Works Programme.
Upgrades to the facility included a complete change of the roof coverings, painting, installation of ceramic tiles, plumbing works, installation of burglar proof doors, and new furniture.
External upgrades included paving, a parking area and upgrades to the drainage system, as well as fencing.
A digital outdoor advertising billboard and sign boards are also on the cards.
“The KwaNtozonke Market is an old building established in 1976, and it was leaking, and the infrastructure was in a poor state. A decision was taken to give it an upgrade and ensure that it meets the demands of today, and the department invested R11.7 million towards the upgrades,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
She added that her department has also given automated sewing machines to those involved in sewing at the market, as part of supporting small business owners.
Spokesperson for small business owners operating at the KwaNtozonke Market, Nompumelelo Tafeni, said they were thankful to DSBD for upgrading the market, as it was in a poor state and that also affected their businesses.
“Before the upgrades to the facility, our businesses were regular targets of criminals who broke in and stole our stuff, as there were no burglar proof doors, and people consumed alcohol and left empty bottles near the facility as it was not fenced.
“Some of our stock and designs also got damaged, as water was coming in when it was raining due to the leaking roof. We also did not have proper ablution facilities and they have now given us state of the art facilities which we really appreciate,” said Tafeni.
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality executive mayor, Nyaniso Nelani, said that more upgrades will be made to the KwaNtozonke Market in future as part of the municipality’s overall local economic development strategy.
“We want the market to also play a part in promoting tourism, and we will come up with innovative ways to make it more appealing.
“Tourists who visit our facilities, like the Nelson Mandela Museum, must be able to come to the market as part of their tourism experience in Mthatha,” said Nelani.
Ndabeni-Abrahams also handed over machinery and equipment to 105 informal traders, as part of her department’s Informal and Micro Enterprises Development Programme (IMEDP).
The handover was held at RUCC Ministries Auditorium in Southernwood, Mthatha, also on April 4.
