Giyani races to finish new market stalls
GGM fast-tracks R11m market stalls to support traders with secure, equipped spaces ahead of the festive season.
LIMPOPO – The Greater Giyani Municipality is racing against time to complete its new market stalls before the festive season begins, a development that promises to give local traders a much-needed boost during the busiest shopping period of the year.
The R11 million project, which is nearing completion, is set to transform the way informal traders in Giyani do business. For years, many have been selling their goods under makeshift shelters, exposed to weather conditions and dust.
New stalls aim to uplift traders
According to municipal spokesperson Steve Mavunda, vendors will soon be trading from proper, secure, and well-equipped stalls. Mavunda explained that the new markets consist of ten buildings, each housing two stalls, bringing the total to twenty.
Mavunda said the project forms part of the municipality’s broader plan to uplift small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and improve local economic activity.
“For years, many of our traders have been operating under difficult and unsafe conditions,” he said.
“This project is about giving them dignity, stability, and a proper place to do business.”
Facilities built with accessibility in mind
To make the market stalls accessible to everyone, the municipality has also constructed two disability-friendly ablution blocks. In addition, the stalls will be equipped with clean running water and proper sanitation facilities, which Mavunda believes will greatly improve the vendors’ daily operations.
“These features show that we care about the well-being of all our traders, including those living with disabilities.” The project is also expected to improve the look of the area, giving Giyani a cleaner and more organised trading zone that could draw more visitors and boost local economic activity.
Vendors await allocation and handover
Meanwhile, anticipation is growing among residents and business owners about when the market stalls will finally be handed over to vendors.
The municipality hopes the market will be ready in time for the festive rush, when many traders earn most of their yearly income, or by early next year if the remaining work cannot be finalised this year.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said one trader who currently operates from a temporary shelter near the traffic department in Section A. Having a proper stall means our goods will be safe, and customers will feel more comfortable buying from us,” she said, asking not to be named for fear of being victimised. The initiative is good, but only if one is lucky enough to secure one of those stalls,” she added, doubting her chances of getting a space at the new market.
Mavunda urged vendors who wish to be considered for allocation to the new market stalls to register at the municipality’s library office. Criteria include proof of trading permits and being a resident of the area.
