LIMPOPO – The Greater Giyani Municipality plans to charge new tenants R350 per day for the newly built market stalls in Section A, near Letaba TVET College, which are currently vacant and awaiting occupancy.

Plan aims to formalise informal trading

The stalls form part of the municipality’s broader plan to formalise informal trading and provide small businesses with a structured and accessible trading environment.

Proposal still open for public input

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a joint 2026/27 IDP budget public participation outreach programme hosted by GGM and the Mopani District Municipality. The session, which targeted Wards 15 to 20, formed part of the municipality’s ongoing consultation process aimed at allowing residents to comment on its IDP budget draft before it is approved for the new financial year.

Addressing the residents, the municipality’s IDP manager Louis Mabunda emphasised that the proposed daily rental fee is not yet final, but rather a draft tariff open for public input.

“The head of infrastructure has just indicated that this is still a proposal, and I’m here as a messenger to deliver the news, so don’t kill the messenger,” he joked.

Mabunda explained that community members are given a period of 21 days to submit written comments, suggestions, or objections regarding the proposed fee amount.

“The tariff awaits your comment to help us reach a final figure,” he added.

Traders raise concerns over affordability

His remarks came after some people in the hall expressed their objections to the tariff through disruptive murmurs and vocal noise, with some arguing that it was too expensive and unrealistic for an ordinary street vendor who can hardly make R50 profit a day, to afford that amount.

Facilities to include services and security

Despite concerns about the proposed tariff, the newly built stalls are expected to provide proper shelter and improved working conditions for vendors.

“They have everything needed for a trading space, including toilets, kitchens and other amenities to ensure traders are comfortable while using the facilities,” he said, adding that security and regular maintenance will also be provided.

Other tariffs under review

Residents were also informed about other proposed tariff adjustments affecting municipal infrastructure such as Giyani Stadium and newly built community halls. According to Mabunda, this includes the new indoor sports centre at Mavalani village, which was completed in the last financial year and is scheduled to start operating on July 1.

The facility will charge R1 000 for meetings and R600 for activities such as sports and funerals.

“Another tariff that affects all of us is the one concerning the stadium. Daytime events at the stadium will cost R60 000, while night events such as festivals will cost R100 000. The higher cost at night is to cover expenses for lighting and overtime for our employees,” he said.

Public submissions close this month

Meanwhile, the 21-day period for written submissions ends on the 21st of this month, after which the municipality will consider all inputs before finalising the tariff structure and incorporating it into the final draft budget.