City 'betrays traders'

Following the reopening of the Green Point flea market after 10 years, upset traders are accusing the City of Cape Town of kicking them out in favour of a football game.

Rosheda Muller, chairperson of the Cape Town Stadium Market, said the suspension of trading for Sunday afternoon’s PSL match between Cape Town City and Baroka FC was viewed as a “betrayal of trust by traders, and a slap in the face of the informal economy”.

However, Mayco member for Urban Management, Grant Twigg, said it was agreed that the market would not take place on event days.

“The trader organisations are well aware that the market will not operate on event days, as communicated with them,” he told Weekend Argus.

“This condition is part of the trading plan and was agreed to by all parties.”

Rosheda said the notification that trading would be suspended meant “the very existence of our market hangs in the balance”.

By the time the notification was received on 30 December, traders had already purchased stock.

“Traders have been stocking up with consumables and stock for the first Sunday of 2020, anticipating another great trading day. To deny them trading will result in monetary losses, particularly for the food traders,” she said.

Twigg said the notice period of less than a week was appropriate given that all traders were already aware that they would not be allowed to trade on event days.

The market is held in the P4 parking area surrounding Cape Town Stadium.

Rosheda said she had approached the Cape Town City Football Club, which had said it did not need to use the parking area on the match day.

However, Twigg said the area was used by taxis and buses to transport fans.

Rosheda said the traders would use all options at their disposal to challenge the City on the matter. 

Weekend Argus

• Green Point traders back in business