A new trading hub was recently opened in Klapmuts. Located next to the Klapmuts Multipurpose Community Centre and across the road from the Klamputs Taxi rank, the new trading space can stimulate the local economy and allow small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. This is according to Stellenbosch mayor Gesie van Deventer in her speech at the opening of the new hub. The hub is, however, just a starting point, not a permanent solution, she said.
The informal trading hub, which opened on 1 June, provides an opportunity for qualifying individuals to trade in a safe space and hone their craft, said Van Deventer.
She noted that the trading hub might not cater to all the traders in Klapmuts. “Nine [stalls] are not enough; there are lots of people who want to trade. We [Stellenbosch Municipality] are going to roll out a program to give people an opportunity also to participate,” she explained.
Stellenbosch mayor Gesie van Deventer spoke at the new informal trading hub opening in Klapmuts on 1 June. Speaking to MatieMedia, Van Deventer explained the benefits of such a hub for the Klapmuts community. “It will be very helpful […] this is a free platform for them to trade, and do what they do best, supply food for their families and money for their children,” she said. PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni
The selection process
Traders selected to have stalls at the hub had to undergo an application process. This is according to Lesley van Gensen, the manager of economic development and tourism.
In 2020, the municipality placed an advertisement for traders, and although 21 applications were received, only nine were compliant with the criteria, she said.
“We will give everybody a six-month term here, and thereafter we will reassess this list,” explained Van Gensen. In the meantime, an invitation will be extended, encouraging traders to apply, she said.
The Klapmuts community recently celebrated opening the new informal trading hub. There are currently nine stalls with traders selling a variety of products. The hub provides an opportunity for qualifying individuals to trade in a safe space and hone their craft, said Stellenbosch mayor Gesie van Deventer. PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni
Benefiting informal traders
Elizabeth Moses is one of the traders allocated a stall. She has been selling second-hand items under a tree for over five years.
“I do it for my children; this is the income for my house,” said Moses. “If I stand outside and it rains, I cannot make money. But now I have a roof above me and I can make money to give food to my children,” she explained.
Located next to the Klapmuts Multipurpose Community Centre and across the road from the Klapmuts taxi rank, the new informal trading hub in Klapmuts provides traders such as Elizabeth Moses a safe space to trade. Moses has been selling second-hand items under a tree for over five years. “I do it for my children; this is the income for my house,” she said. The hub was opened on 1 June. PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni
Mixed feelings from the community
Elliot Mbikwana, the chairperson of the Klapmuts Development Forum, expressed mixed feelings about the new hub as he believes it is not precisely what Klapmuts needs.
Despite this, Mbikwana expressed gratitude for the new hub. “It is a small thing, but for now, as Klapmuts, we thank everyone who has been involved in it,” he said.
New hub on the horizon
A similar informal trading hub in Jamestown is in the pipeline, according to Van Deventer.
“[In Jamestown], the right land is a bit of an issue because we need to place it [the informal hub] where people will actually frequent it,” she explained. Suitable land has now been located, and an informal hub in Jamestown will be the next one to be built, she said.