African Market not compatible for initial use
>> The building was meant for traders, SMMEs
Since the construction of one of Polokwane Municipality’s flagship structures, African Market in Market Street has been completed and handed over to the municipality during the 2010/11 financial year, the building is still not being used for its intended purpose.
According to Polokwane
Municipality’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Matshidiso
Mothapo ,the building was meant for traders and Small, Medium
& Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) operating in the particular area.
Hawkers in the area are of the opinion that the municipality should allow them to operate in the building.
Kgadimo Leballo, a hawker who sells fruit, sweets and vegetables opposite the building says the municipality should house all informal hawkers in the building. “It would be nice to see all hawkers operating in one area. We want a mini-mall for hawkers as this will prompt them to comply with regulations because some don’t have permits to sell their goods. This kind of a setup would encourage professionalism among hawkers,” Leballo said.
Another hawker, Lekoaloane Mangena, said the municipality should
ease the facility. “The facility is in the heart of the city and still in good condition. It is well-structured and it has offices. I am certain that there are potential suitors.”
Responding to concerned hawkers, Mothapo said one of the reasons the facility is not occupied is that they are waiting for approval of the proposed management model and completion of the snag list for the facility to be utilised for the intended use.
The African Market has been planned since 2004 and was meant to offer formalised business and trading premises for hawkers and other entrepreneurs, as well as being used as a flea market to attract tourists and visitors so that they can support local businesses.