POLOKWANE – The municipal African Market project is still not a reality more than a year after the project was launched.
According to municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, the structures were complete, but there were still processes underway to finalise the project.
Mothapo said the idea came about as a solution to the challenges that the municipality experienced regarding informal trading activities in the city. “The sector grew so quickly that it started infringing on formal businesses’ territories as well as pedestrian walkways,” he said.
Mothapo said the African Market would not only serve the informal sector but also promote cultural tourism and promote investment.
“Informal trading is a positive development in the micro-business sector as it contributes to the creation of jobs and has the potential to further expand the city’s economic base,” he said.
Mothapo added that the objective of establishing the African Market was to provide infrastructure and thereby promote the city for the purpose of investment attraction and retention.
“The African Market will not just be a trading area for vendors, but will, most importantly, promote the cultures of Limpopo. It is a major step towards establishing Polokwane as a cultural hub.
“It will be a place where one can go to enjoy African music, food, fashion, art, craft and dance,” he said.
According to Mothapo there would be 49 vendors, but this number was not final. “Vacancies are expected and the prices on how to secure stalls and shops will be communicated with the stakeholders in due course,” he said.
