Masiphumelele local traders to enjoy new Gateway Market
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and James Vos with councillors, traders and community members at the Masiphumelele Market launch.
Image: Supplied
An upgraded trading hub in Masiphumelele will accommodate around 57 informal traders and includes kiosks, food preparation areas, office space, parking and public seating.
Officially opened on Tuesday by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis alongside the City’s mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, the Masiphumelele Gateway Market replaces what the City described as an inadequate trading space and forms part of more than R400 million invested in trading infrastructure.
Five of the kiosks are also large enough to support light manufacturing businesses.
Mayor Hill-Lewis said the new market would better serve traders and the surrounding communities.
“We are thrilled to open this wonderful new traders’ market, which connects and serves the communities of Masiphumelele, Kommetjie, Ocean View and surrounds,” he said.
He said the previous site was without basic amenities for traders and customers.
“This is all now well and truly resolved, with a lovely, dignified trading market that brings dignity to traders and residents,” he said.
According to the City, construction of the market followed extensive engagement with both informal traders and community stakeholders.
The first round of vendor applications is currently being processed, with trading expected to begin this month.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis addressing the audience at the Masiphumelele Market launch.
Image: Supplied
Vos said the City aims to create safe and well-managed trading spaces that meet the needs of traders, businesses and residents.
“We aim to not just provide safe, dignified and well-operated trading spaces but to make sure that the requirements of local traders, businesses and residents can be met,” he said.
Ward 69 councillor Patricia Francke welcomed the opening, saying the project had been long-awaited.
“I’m not just glad, but I’m also so excited for the opening of this trade market,” she said.
Francke said community members had waited 14 years for the project.
“The women traders who were there were so excited,” she said, adding that one trader told her she had spent years selling from the roadside before finally receiving a secure trading space.
“Now she has her own space that she can unlock and close when she’s finished, allowing her to go home peacefully,” Francke said.
She described the facility as one of the biggest markets in Cape Town and said her goal was to ensure it is well managed.
“My goal is to make sure that this market will be run correctly,” she said.
Francke added that the market was not intended only for Masiphumelele residents, but for traders more broadly.
She also encouraged residents from nearby areas, including Sunnydale, Capri, Fairy Knoll and Sun Valley, to support the new facility.
Masiphumelele is one of several market upgrade projects completed by the City in the past year as part of efforts to strengthen local economic opportunities.