eThekwini rolls out roadshows to empower informal traders

To further develop the local informal economy sector, the eThekwini Municipality is rolling out Informal Trade and Retail Markets By-law Review Roadshows, with the first session set to take place on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.

The roadshows will allow traders and sector stakeholders to share their views and contribute to shaping proposed changes that will strengthen and support the sector.

The roadshows will allow traders and other stakeholders to share their views on the proposed amendments to the Retail Markets By-law and Informal Trade By-law, which were promulgated in 2014.

The municipality is currently reviewing the regulations through the Retail Markets First Amendment By-law and Informal Trade Third Amendment By-law 2026.

The first consultation session is scheduled to take place at the iTRUMP Hall in Durban’s central business district on Tuesday. The session will get underway at 10am.

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the review aims to ensure that the regulatory framework supports safe and orderly trading while creating greater opportunities for participation in the local economy.

“The input of traders and stakeholders is critical to ensuring that the proposed amendments respond to realities on the ground,” Ntuli said.

The municipality said the sessions will help ensure that the regulatory framework remains responsive to the needs of the informal economy while supporting economic opportunities.

Other consultations will take place across the municipality’s regions during October and November.
In the Inner and Outer West, sessions are scheduled for 16 October at the Pinetown Civic Centre’s Council Chamber and 22 October at Clermont Hall, Clermont Sizakala Centre, starting at 9am.

The South Areas session will be held at uMlazi V Community Hall on 27 October, from 10am, followed by a meeting at Bester Community Hall on 29 October for the North Areas, starting at 10am.

The Coastal Areas consultation is scheduled for 5 November at Durban Surfing Club, while the Upper North Areas will host sessions at oThongathi Sports Centre on 10 November and Verulam Library on 11 November. All sessions will start at 10am. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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