The Buffalo City metro has handed over business equipment worth approximately R268,400 to 38 informal traders operating at Marina Glen, also known as eBuhlanti. The handover, facilitated through the municipality's local economic development function, aims to support informal businesses and expand economic opportunities for local traders. The equipment will help improve services provided to visitors, who frequent the area seven days a week.
Each trader received a pack containing essential items such as umbrellas, aprons, caps, hats, stainless-steel serving dishes, chef's knives, chopping boards, kitchen scissors, braai tongs, braai forks, and a three-piece stainless-steel braai tool set. According to Buffalo City metro spokesperson Luzuko Buku, the 38 beneficiaries were identified through the municipality's existing database and a verification process conducted with the eBuhlanti Traders Committee.
The initiative is an investment in the livelihoods of traders, particularly women, who contribute to economic activity at the coastal destination. Buffalo City mayor Princess Faku stated that the initiative is about investing in the people, supporting livelihoods, and creating opportunities for local traders to thrive. The mayor emphasized the important role women play in the economic activity of eBuhlanti Public Park and the need to see their businesses grow and succeed.
For some traders, the equipment will help address longstanding resource constraints that have made it difficult to run their businesses efficiently. Nonkqubela Gobinduku, a braai operator from Mdantsane, has been earning a living by preparing braais for visitors at the venue for the past 16 years. She expressed gratitude for the support, stating that some traders were struggling to get resources to run their businesses.
Fellow trader Bukelwa Menziwa noted that the equipment would make a significant difference as business activity picks up during the festive season. With eBuhlanti being a popular place visited by revellers, Menziwa believes that the traders will get more clientele and be able to provide proper services to customers while they enjoy themselves at the beach or eBuhlanti.
The municipality's support for informal businesses extends beyond the equipment handover, with initiatives including the provision of trading containers in designated areas across the metro. Buku stated that the rollout of the containers is an ongoing programme aimed at creating better trading opportunities and providing a more conducive environment for informal businesses.
The municipality has allocated R10m for infrastructure to support informal trading across the metro and a further R1m for SMME and co-operative support. The city plans to continue supporting informal traders across Buffalo City, subject to budget availability, and will monitor the impact of the eBuhlanti intervention through regular site visits, engagements with traders, and verification of their business activities.
Key points
- The Buffalo City metro has handed over business equipment worth R268,400 to 38 informal traders operating at Marina Glen.
- The initiative aims to support informal businesses and expand economic opportunities for local traders ahead of the festive season.
- The municipality plans to continue supporting informal traders across Buffalo City, subject to budget availability.
