Having realised informal sector and retail as having economic potential for their region, and identifying a lack of capacity and marketing skills, Mbhashe Local Municipality have embarked on a drive to bolster hawker trading by providing hawkers with vouchers.
In a statement building up to the handover on May 3, the municipality said that social services and small enterprise development were other contributors to the Mbhashe GDP.
“A large section of hawkers in Mbhashe are those with low skills and who have migrated from rural areas in search of employment.
“These people take to street vending when they don’t find other means of livelihood. The potential for informal trading and retail is not realised, as they suffer from capacity and marketing capabilities.
“They lack in terms of tools of the trade and equipment, a shortage of money, and poor access to funding opportunities. That is why Mbhashe Local Municipality is assisting with production inputs,” the statement read.
The local authority’s portfolio head for development planning said the municipality was intent on supporting up-and-coming and informal businesses.
The total investment will be R20 000.
The Sindile Maya Elliotdale Hawkers Association Chairperson was elated with the municipality’s gesture.
“I’d like to extend a word of gratitude to Mbhashe Local Municipality as people who try to make ends meet as informal traders. Please don’t get tired of us, but continue to support us,” he said.
Gatyana Hawkers Association Chairperson, Nolufefe Magatya, said that the day was an important one for the hawkers, as government was handing over vouchers to strengthen their businesses. She said she hoped more help would come, as Gatyana was one of the poorest areas.
