By Neo Kolane
The district administrator of Mafeteng, Bonang Moranye, has appealed to investors for funds to build a proper market place for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), including vendors.
In an interview with thereporter this week, Moranye described the current market place in Mafeteng town as in a state of disrepair, with too limited space to accommodate the ever-growing number of small traders. This has left scores of other vendors strewn disorderly all over the town, including along roadsides.
He also called for support from government agencies in the district, community leaders, and other stakeholders to help make the dream of a proper market a reality.
“The aim here is not merely to address the immediate needs of street vendors but to foster an environment where they can thrive, grow their businesses, and contribute meaningfully to the economic fabric of the district.
“Our town needs a market place for street vendors, as I have noticed the importance of street vending in the local economy, and have a desire to address the challenges faced by the vendors,” Moranye noted.
He explained that when an investor comes to invest in the district, the authorities work to ensure that the business’s social responsibility goals are aligned with the needs of the local community.
“For too long, street vendors have grappled with the harsh realities of makeshift stalls, legal uncertainties and a constant struggle for visibility and stability.
“Yet, amidst these obstacles, they have persevered, offering essential goods and services to residents and visitors alike.
“Now, the call for a market place offers an opportunity to transform the landscape of street vending, providing a foundation for sustainable growth and inclusive development,” he said.
Moranye further indicated that they also want the local market to be rebuilt altogether within an agreed time limit.
He explained that this is in keeping with the objective of keeping the town clean.
He also emphasised the need to remove shacks from sidewalks and mounting them in designated places.
“It is my office’s plea to any business or investor to help ensure that SMME shacks situated on the pavements are moved and relocated to the right places where they operate without impeding or interferring with the free movement of other people.
“These shacks also put their owners in danger because they are located by the main roads and they disturb the flow of traffic.
“Many street vendor shacks are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, theft, vandalism, and other safety concerns. Without proper security measures in place, vendors may be at risk of harm or loss of property,” Moranye added.
These sentiments were echoed by the secretary general of the Mafeteng Chamber of Business, Pule Chere, who confirmed that they are in urgent and desperate need for funds, after unsuccessful attempts to solicit them from unspecified potential donors.
Chere reiterated the need for the current market place to be refurbished or replaced with a new one altogether.
“Once we have secured funds, we will apply for a site at the Mafeteng urban council.
“The establishment of a market place is not just about creating physical infrastructure; it is about building bridges between different sectors of society.
“It is a collaborative endeavour that brings together urban planners, architects, legal experts, and grassroots organisations to co-create a space that is inclusive, accessible, and sustainable,” he pointed out.
Pule said with the voice of the district administrator echoing through the streets, the vision of a dedicated market place for street vendors will emerge, and beat the challenges of informal commerce.
Incidentally, a district administrator is appointed by the minister of local government, in consultation with the prime ministers, to represent the interests of the central government at district level.
He is responsible for co-ordinating duties and functions of all public officers in that district, other than those employed by local authorities.
All public officers in the district, other than those employed by the local authorities, function under the direct supervision of the DA.
The DA, in carrying out his functions and duties under the Local Government Act, is responsible to the minister.
