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Eastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) MEC, Mlungisi Mvoko, has officially launched a R26.5 million eMaxesibeni Informal Trade Infrastructure Project which will benefit 150 informal traders at eMaxesibini (formerly Mount Ayliff), under the Umzimvubu Local Municipality.
The informal trade infrastructure includes 24 formal lock-up units, 36 semi-formal stands, 84 semi-informal spaces, a vehicle repair facility, a car wash facility, an ablution facility and a guard house, as well as water, sanitation, and electrical supply for these facilities.
The facility was officially launched on April 18.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Mvoko said 84 informal traders have already been allocated trading space at the new eMaxesibeni Hawkers Centre.
“The Informal Trade Infrastructure is meant to promote economic and social benefits, and to provide work opportunities for the community of eMaxesibeni. This is being achieved by providing dedicated and permanent infrastructure for informal traders and small businesses to conduct their business activities in a clean and safe environment,” he said.
Mvoko added that his department appointed the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), which is the infrastructure delivery arm of government, to implement the project on behalf of DEDEAT, for the benefit of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality.
Mvoko said,
He further revealed that 57 jobs were created during construction, which included 23 youth and 30 women jobs. Materials such as sabhunga and sand, worth R1 million, were also sourced from eMaxesibini.
Mvoko said that the facility will be owned and managed by the Umzimvubu Local Municipality.
“I am confident that government interventions such as this one will energise local economies, especially those in rural and township localities. The intention is to create sustainable jobs and livelihoods and improved revenue generation, as well as the alleviation of poverty in our communities,” said Mvoko.
Umzimvubu Local Municipality acting mayor for the day, Inga Nodali, expressed words of gratitude over the handover of the eMaxesibeni Hawkers Centre.
“It fills my heart with great satisfaction to witness the fruition of months of hard work, dedication, and collaboration. These hawker stalls stand not merely as structures of brick and mortar, but as beacons of hope and economic opportunity for our community. In every corner of EmaXesibeni, there resides an abundance of talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit waiting to be unleashed. These hawker stalls provide a platform for our local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs to showcase their skills, share their stories, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our community.”
“I therefore extend our sincerest thanks to the department for their steadfast support and tireless efforts in overseeing the construction of these new hawker stalls,” said Nodali.
ECDC executive manager for enterprise finance and business support, Darwin Nkonki, said construction on the project began in July 2021, and it was completed on 15 December 2023.
The project attracted initial funding of R2 million from the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years, and additional funding of R24.4 million was secured from the Provincial Economic Stimulus Fund.
The Umzimvubu Local Municipality also contributed R1 million towards the completion of the project.
