Ekurhuleni street vendors thrown lifeline of R10 000 financial-aid vouchers

The development of the township economy has become a national priority, and the City of Ekurhuleni is aiming to drive inclusive economic development, writes the Germiston City News.

This is particularly relevant in previously disadvantaged areas, where local businesses, particularly informal traders, have financial constraints.

Last week, The South African reported on how organisations in the north of Joburg had gone on the warpath and carried out a “clean-up” of hawkers operating in their neighbourhoods.

As unemployment rates continue to soar in South Africa, the City of Ekurhuleni (COE) is instead taking proactive steps to uplift the township economy and foster entrepreneurship.

With a commitment of R9 million, the COE aims to provide assistance to informal traders across the region. This includes tuckshop owners, spaza shops, and fruit and vegetable traders.

“This initiative aligns with our national priority of developing the township economy, and driving inclusive economic growth in historically disadvantaged areas,” said Nomadlozi Nkosi, the MMC for Developmental Planning and Real Estate in the COE.

“Our objectives include job creation and poverty alleviation, addressing critical challenges facing our nation.”

VOUCHERS TO SUPPORT STREET VENDORS IN EKURHULENI

The trading support fund has now emerged as a strategic intervention by the COE to drive social and economic progress within this informal sector – which is crucial for community well-being.

Fruit and vegetable hawkers: The financial aid package for these informal traders includes a R10 000 voucher for purchasing fresh produce stock.

This is accompanied by entrepreneurial training, conducted by industry experts from the Ekurhuleni Fresh Produce Market in Springs.

Tuckshop and spaza shop owners: These traders are eligible for a R30 000 voucher for stock procurement from the COE’s trading support fund.

This, too, is complemented with training, and point-of-sale support from designated wholesalers.

Nkosi has encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs, young individuals in particular, to seize this opportunity for growth and development.

“This is a chance for young people like me to secure income and pursue further education,” an enthused informal trader told the Germiston City News.

“I see it as a turning point in my life.”

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A SUPPORT VOUCHER, AND THE DEADLINE

Entrepreneurs that need assistance with their applications have been advised by the COE to visit their nearest customer care centres.

Here, they will find dedicated business advisers who are available to provide support.

Street traders will then need to submit certified copies of identification documents, a valid trading permit, proof of address, and a letter of support from the ward councillor to the COE (streetvendor.support@ekurhuleni.gov.za) before or on 6 May.

Upon receiving the award, successful applicants will then be required to sign a funding agreement.

OPERATING LICENCES

Valid trading permits have become the biggest challenge for many hawkers in Johannesburg, who claim they cannot afford the fee.

Johannesburg ward councillors have sympathised with informal traders needing to earn a living, but have stressed the importance of following local by-laws.