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Comment on the draft informal trading plans for the Cape Town CBD and Bo-Kaap

We are in the process of revoking the current informal trading plan that regulates informal trading for the Cape Town CBD and immediate areas, and we want to hear from you.

Comment period:

Submit your comments from 5 March - 5 April 2026.

Access the documents:

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Public Participation

Public Participation

Public Participation

5 March 2026 22:00 - 6 April 2026 22:00

About

We manage informal trading in Cape Town.

The Informal Trading By-law assists us to declare an informal trading plan for any place or area within our control. The plan identifies dedicated, restricted or prohibited areas for informal trading in that place or area.

The City is in the process of revoking the current informal trading plan (Gazette Notice No: 7661, dated 12 August 2016) that regulates informal trading for the Cape Town CBD and immediate areas.

We will be adopting individual trading plans for Green Market Square, St Georges Mall, Company Gardens and kerb side informal trading for the geographical area of Ward 115 (Cape Town CBD) and for the suburb of Bo-Kaap (Ward 77).

Approval from Council is required as part of the process before any area can be defined as an informal trading plan area.

In terms of section 17 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, you can submit comments to the municipality in respect of the draft informal trading plans.

Submit your comment

Comments may be submitted via the following channels:

Online: Submit your comment online via the "Submit a comment" button above

Delivery: Deliver your written comments by hand to the address below during office hours (Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 15:00):

Security reception desk

44 Wale Street

Cape Town

PLEASE NOTE: Our Public Participation Unit will assist you if you would like to submit comments but have a disability or are unable to read or write. See contact details below.

Andre Louw

Telephone: 021 400 9809

Email: Andre.Louw@capetown.gov.za

Contact us

For more information and general enquiries about the informal trading plan, contact:

Richard Holdstock

Telephone: 021 417 0661 / 084 432 2757

Email: richard.holdstock@capetown.gov.za

5 comments

Lesego Majatladi4 months ago

Themba Nicollus George4 months ago

Phoenix Projects 4 months ago I support the City’s efforts to create structured and well-managed opportunities for informal traders in the CBD and Bo-Kaap areas. Informal trading plays an important role in supporting livelihoods, especially for unemployed residents, while also contributing to the local economy and cultural vibrancy of the city. The regulation of informal trading through trading plans is necessary to ensure that trading occurs in an organised manner and maintains a positive relationship with formal businesses and the surrounding community. The proposed trading spaces in Bo-Kaap are particularly important because they create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and help preserve the unique cultural identity of the area. Markets and designated trading areas can strengthen community participation, support tourism, and promote local products and food traditions. However, it is important that the City prioritises traders who live in or have strong ties to the Bo-Kaap community so that the economic benefits remain within the neighbourhood. Clear allocation processes, adequate infrastructure, and ongoing consultation with residents and traders will be essential to ensure the success and sustainability of these trading plans.Overall, the draft plans are a positive step toward supporting small businesses and improving the management of informal trading in both the CBD and Bo-Kaap, provided that community interests, cultural heritage, and fair access for local traders remain central to implementation.

Gerald Geduld4 months ago informal trading is a significant part of the local urban economy and provides livelihoods for many residents who might otherwise struggle to access formal employment. Informal traders contribute to job creation, provide affordable goods, and add vibrancy to public spaces. In many cities, well-managed informal trading can improve street life and safety by ensuring consistent activity in public areas. Formalising trading bays and allocating permits can also provide greater security of tenure and stability for traders, which helps them invest in and grow their businesses.

Themba Nicollus George4 months ago

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Open day: Draft informal trading plans for the Cape Town CBD and Bo-Kaap
Event date: March 18th, 2026 from 08:00 to 13:00.
44 Wale Street
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