eThekwini: Just like many cities in South Africa, eThekwini is experiencing urban decay due to migration for economic opportunities, property abandonment, service delivery, and crime. These conditions were exacerbated, in part, by the catastrophic floods in 2022 that destroyed critical infrastructure, including roads, communication, and electrical systems.
According to South African Government News Agency, to respond to the challenges of the municipality, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the eThekwini Presidential Working Group (PeWG) in April 2024. The Working Group was established to accelerate support from national and provincial government to rebuild the municipality. Since its establishment, the Working Group has provided support and fast-tracked efforts by the eThekwini municipality to improve service delivery, improve business confidence, and reposition eThekwini as an investment and tourism attraction. The Working Group operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labor.
Last November, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality announced plans to develop the informal economy sector by upgrading the infrastructure used by traders. These projects include the R10 million upgrade of the Dalton Art and Craft Market, R15 million upgrade for the Mansel Road Market, R2.5 million upgrade for the Tongaat Trader Market, R4 million upgrade for the KwaMaKhutha Business Hive (Ward 94), and the R4.3 million upgrade for the Klaarwater Business Hive (Ward 17). Traders at the Mansel Road Market were visited by Small Business Development Minister Stella-Ndabeni-Abrahams last year.
The Minister handed over about 100 sewing machines and equipment for those running food handling facilities such as freezers, pots, gas stoves, and microwaves. Chairman for Mansel Road Market Traders Mboneni Qwabe expressed that this government support is unprecedented on the continent and shows the government’s commitment to taking care of informal traders. eThekwini Municipality Senior Manager for the Informal Economy, Michael Hlangu, highlighted the vibrant activity at the Mansel Road Market, especially during weekends, attracting customers from across South Africa and other countries.
The retail market offers a variety of products including clothing, food stalls, traditional drums, bedding, and traditional attire. About 180 traders operating at the market are expected to benefit from the refurbishment of the facility, which includes a new building with new ablution facilities, electricity, water, and a parking area. Hlangu explained that the project would involve converting dilapidated containers into brick and mortar structures, with contractors already appointed for the task. Traders will be relocated to a new location this month to facilitate construction, which is expected to provide job opportunities for approximately 100 people.
The municipality is responsible for maintaining the facility, providing security, cleaning services, and electricity. Qwabe noted that the municipality hosts business summits each year to update traders on the work being done to uplift the informal economy. He reflected on the evolution of the market’s infrastructure from selling under carports to using containers and now moving toward a new modern structure.
Qwabe expressed hope that the new building would attract tourists. He emphasized the unique cultural offerings at the Mansel Road Market, which is a hub for traditional attire. He lamented the lack of tourist visits and expressed a desire for the market to become a tourist attraction, showcasing unique items that represent the Zulu culture.