Date: 2026-02-18 07:26:30

Applications Open For Over 400 Informal Trading Stalls Across EThekwini

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR OVER 400 INFORMAL TRADING STALLS ACROSS ETHEKWINI 

EThekwini Municipality continues to create tangible economic opportunities for residents. 

As part of its ongoing investment in informal trade and retail market infrastructure, the City invites applications for available informal trading stalls, kiosks and retail market spaces across eThekwini. 

This initiative aims to expand access to affordable trading facilities, stimulate small business growth and create jobs.

Vacant sites are available in the following regions:

• Central Business District: 10 sites

• South Areas: 123 stalls and units

• Inner and Outer West: 50 sites

• North Areas: 47 sites

• Upper North: 14 sites

• Coastal Areas: 7 sites 

• Retail Markets South: 120 sites 

• Retail Markets North: 31 sites.

The available sites include stalls for selling fruits and vegetables, poultry, medicinal herbs, photography stations and beach massage services. 

Applicants can download the full advert and application details at: https://tinyurl.com/22nrujh7

Alternatively, visit the Municipality’s website at www.durban.gov.za to download the form under Public Notices.

Applications must include an application letter, ID copy, proof of residence, trading activity description, gender indication and disability status, where applicable. 

Applicants must be willing to trade full-time, be unemployed and not operate another stall within the Municipality.

The closing date for applications is 6 March 2026 at 12h00.

The City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thembо Ntuli, said the trading spaces support a wide range of sectors such as fresh produce, medicinal herbs, auto hub services, flea markets, light industrial businesses, poultry, food sales, crafts and tourism-related services.

Councillor Ntuli said these opportunities are a result of the City’s continued investment in trading infrastructure. 

“Over the past five years, we have refurbished facilities such as 126 Johannes Nkosi Building, Illovo Auto Hub, 64 Flower Road and uMlazi V-Section Container Park. We have also built new business hives at Blue Lagoon, Cornubia, Folweni and Midway Mall. Retail markets including Verulam, Phoenix, Ezimbuzini and English Market have been upgraded. These initiatives supported 636 traders and created 124 jobs in the 2023/24 financial year alone.”

He added that informal trade remains an important part of the local economy.

“By building and refurbishing trading infrastructure, we are creating dignified spaces for small businesses to grow.”

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate