Tshwane metro supports flea market in Mamelodi
Tshwane metro MMC for economic development and spatial planning Cllr André le Roux said the project’s goals are to boost the local township’s economy, improve Mamelodi’s economic standing and encourage cooperation and partnership among the township’s small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Almost a thousand people visited the Mamelodi flea market at Solomon Mahlangu Freedom square on Wednesday.
Tshwane metro MMC for economic development and spatial planning Cllr André le Roux said the project’s goals are to boost the local township’s economy, improve Mamelodi’s economic standing and encourage cooperation and partnership among the township’s small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square was selected to host the flea market because it is one of Mamelodi West’s busiest commuter interlinks and is flanked by two shopping centres that would bring the market more foot traffic.
He said the metro takes pleasure in collaborating with partners like Ranyaka and Nedbank in developing SMMEs.
The market, one of the first in Mamelodi West, featured 60 kiosks selling a variety of goods and services, such as African food, artifacts, accessories and fashion.
“These types of markets will help SMMEs overcome market access concerns and contribute to the township’s economic development programme,” said Le Roux.
The highlight was the stall of the Mamelodi pre-vocational school, a special needs school, where young students sold hot dogs and displayed their hand-knitted items.
Popular Mamelodi artist, DJ Dino, was on hand to provide entertainment and draw crowds.
A children’s play area was available to keep the kids occupied while their parents browsed the booths and spoke with vendors about possible purchases and product improvements.
“This makes me optimistic because I can see how different organisations, including the government, NGOs and financial institutions prioritise supporting and developing SMMEs to expose them to the market and offer them access to platforms that enable them to trade and prosper across Tshwane,” he said.
He said similar flea markets were held in other townships and the metro urged interested parties to join the effort to develop township economies.
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