The eThekwini Municipality will officially launch the R29 million Mansel Road Market Development, creating improved trading facilities and stronger opportunities for Durban’s informal business community.
Phase One of the development includes the handover of trading permits to 53 newly selected Church Walk traders, giving them legal trading status while supporting the growth and sustainability of their businesses.
The project forms part of the municipality’s ongoing investment to modernise informal trading infrastructure, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and build a more inclusive local economy where informal businesses can thrive.
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the informal economy remains one of the city’s strongest economic pillars, supporting thousands of households and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs across eThekwini.
“Our informal traders are not only business owners, but they are also job creators, breadwinners and drivers of local economic growth. Through strategic investments such as the Mansel Road Market Development, we are creating safer, dignified and business-friendly trading spaces that enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while improving the lives of their families,” Ntuli said.
The upgraded facility features improved trading infrastructure, upgraded ablution facilities, as well as dedicated maintenance and cleaning services designed to provide traders with a safer and more conducive business environment.
Municipal officials said the allocation of trading permits will enable the newly selected Church Walk traders to operate legally while strengthening the resilience and long-term sustainability of their businesses.
