BCM aims to empower informal traders
R500k machinery, stalls and tools handed over
Informal traders were celebrated and honoured for their role in boosting the economy at a handover of tools of the trade at the Berlin community hall on Friday.
The event saw entrepreneurs from BCM officially receive machinery and tools from the metro’s local business development unit totalling more than R500,000.
Stands for hawkers valued at more than R1m were also handed over. The stalls are part of a R24m tender awarded to L2K Trading to roll out conducive trading conditions for hawkers around the metro over three years.
While some stalls were completed some time in 2018, they attracted negative publicity when they were not used by the vendors.
BCM business development manager Xolelwa Majiza said they were waiting to complete all the stalls before they could distribute them as they had hoped to deliver them at the same time.
“Today is about our entrepreneurs doing their bit to boost the economy, creating jobs and bridging a gap by providing services or offering products where the need arises.
“Our aim is to capacitate entrepreneurs to help them grow and create jobs and make a positive impact where they are based.”
Recipients included Yiyo Enterprises, a jam and peanut butter maker based in King William’s Town who received machinery valued at about R200,000.
A brickmaking co-op, also near King William’s Town, received equipment valued at over more than R170,000.
Representatives from the South African Bureau of Standards were present, talking about the importance of producing quality products.
Local economic development portfolio head councillor Mzwandile Vaaibom said they would supply training for the entrepreneurs on how to use the machinery.
“It’s no good handing over machinery and not ensuring that they know how to use it. We want them to know what they are doing when they handle those machines and they need to take good care of them so they can last,” he said.
Vaaibom said he had engaged with the hawkers, who were pleased with their stalls, although they vented their frustration about lack of access to toilets.
“The toilets nearby at the town hall close at 4pm and open at about 9am. The hawkers start setting up at 6am and leave very late in the evening. This is a problem they brought to our attention and something we want to deal with, with the urgency it deserves,” he said.
Mdantsane shoemaker Samkelo Dwabayo, who received multiservice equipment for key-cutting and shoemaking, expressed his joy.
“Since I received my machinery, I’ve been able to expand my business and employ other people within the community.”
Nonzukiso Dyubele said she was happy to move into her stall as it provided shelter from both sun and rain, and protected her fresh produce from being spoilt.
BCM mayor Xola Pakati said he was inspired by the innovation of the entrepreneurs, who had created a livelihood for themselves.