eThekwini invests 260 million rand in informal markets
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bizcommunity
The South African municipality of eThekwini has invested 260 million rand over three financial years in markets and facilities for informal traders. The programme aims to improve their working conditions and support small businesses, with further developments planned, Bizcommunity reports.
The municipality of eThekwini, which includes Durban, has invested 260 million rand in infrastructure for informal trading over the past three financial years. The funds were used to upgrade markets and trading spaces to improve working conditions and support small businesses, according to the municipality, cited by Bizcommunity.
Around 260,000 eThekwini residents work in the informal sector, including nearly 75,000 in informal trading, according to Statistics South Africa’s quarterly labour force survey. The municipality’s unemployment rate stood at 21.2% in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest among South African metros.
Projects presented include Mansel Road Market and the Lucky Mngwengwe trading precinct, which were recently opened, as well as developments still under way. The informal economy summit also discussed financing for spaza shops, township economic development and banking solutions. Thirty-two traders were recognised for their businesses in several sectors, including beauty, recycling, automotive services and food sales.
