New trading plans approved by Cape Town City Council to support informal traders
Council approved nine trading plans opening up 693 new bays for traders city-wide to boost their business and customer experience.
Image: Sinazo Mkoko
Traders in the City's CBD will soon benefit from newly approved or revised trading plans for their areas.
These areas include Greenmarket Square, St George’s Mall, Company's Garden, and surrounding roadside trading areas, as well as Bo-Kaap.
The City of Cape Town has approved nine trading plans, unlocking 693 additional trading bays across the metro in a move aimed at strengthening the informal economy and expanding opportunities for small businesses.
According to the City, the decision was taken at a council meeting on Wednesday, May 27, and forms part of the City’s broader action plan to invest in the informal trading sector, which plays a significant role in the local economy. The City is also in the process of reviewing its Informal Trading Policy to further support and regulate the sector.
In total, the 693 new bays will add to approximately 6 060 existing trading opportunities already provided by the City across Cape Town.
The newly approved plans also follow the development of new markets in areas such as Masiphumelele, Mitchells Plain, and Wallacedene, as part of ongoing efforts to expand trading infrastructure.
“This is what good governance is in practice: practical action, support for entrepreneurs, and a city government making economic opportunities accessible for people,” said James Vos, the City's mayoral committee member for economic growth.
He added that this marks the largest number of trading opportunities approved at a single council meeting during the current term, describing it as a milestone in strengthening public trading ecosystems across the city.
The City said the approved plans do not include Trafalgar Place Flower Market, as the City’s economic growth team continues to develop a separate trading plan for the site, informed by trader input and public participation.
Trading plans are designed to create regulated, safe, and accessible trading environments while improving infrastructure and supporting more dignified and functional spaces for traders and customers.
The City says it will continue refining its Informal Trading Policy with internal departments and voluntary engagement from recognised trader associations. Input at this stage will help shape proposed changes before formal public participation later this year.
Members of the public will be invited to comment once the draft policy is released.
Traders can apply for bays via the City’s e-Services platform by registering and activating the Informal Trading Bay service. To complete activation, traders will need their ID number, municipal business partner number, a digital copy of their ID, and an email address.
Additional support is available through the City’s skills development programmes. The Business Hub also offers free training for traders and emerging enterprises.
For informal trading enquiries, contact: [email protected]