Trading Permits Bring Formal Recognition to Local Hawkers

Matatiele Local Municipality has taken another step towards supporting informal traders and strengthening local economic development, with more than 200 hawkers receiving trading permits earlier today.

The handover was met with jubilation from beneficiaries, who welcomed the recognition and support provided by the Municipality.

Zenzele Mncwabe from Ward 20 expressed his appreciation for the Municipality’s efforts to support local hawkers through the provision of formal trading permits.

Similarly, Mme Madlamini from Khoapa Ward 06 welcomed the initiative, saying the permits provide traders with a greater sense of recognition and certainty as they conduct their businesses.

Mayor Patrick Stuurman handed over 242 permits to hawkers operating within Matatiele town, providing them with formal recognition to conduct their businesses in designated trading spaces.

The Mayor said this initiative forms part of the Municipality’s efforts to create a more organised, regulated and supportive trading environment, while recognising the important contribution made by informal traders to the local economy.

“The issuing of trading permits also supports the Municipality’s revenue protection measures by strengthening the regulation of trading activities and helping to address potential revenue leakage,” stated the Mayor.

Meanwhile, General Manager: Economic Development and Planning, Mr Siyanda Ntshikilana, said the initiative is intended to improve revenue management while ensuring that economic activity benefits the local community.

“The objective is to control revenue leakage and ensure that revenue generated through trading activities circulates locally,” said Ntshikilana.

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