11 Dec 2025

The 42 newly built small-scale market stalls, valued at P3.2 million and a joint effort between the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) and Selebi Phikwe Town Council, mark a significant and timely investment opportunity for the support and growth of the informal business sector.

Speaking during the official launch of the informal sector market stalls in Selebi Phikwe on Wednesday, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Tiroeaone Ntsima underscored the government’s commitment to not only support but also enhance the growth and sustainability of the informal sector.

Mr Ntsima said a comprehensive support through the provision of well-equipped stalls was set to foster an environment that encouraged entrepreneurship, stimulated local economies, and empowered individuals to pursue their business aspirations that would continuously lead to the growth of the sector.

This endeavour, he said, was also expected to create new opportunities for job creation and improve the livelihoods of many within the community.

“The informal trade sector contributes significantly as the backbone of the economy, and it supports countless families and drives local economies across the communities, hence the need for a comprehensive support,” he said.

To this end, the minister said that government was aware of the plight that fell the region when the BCL mine closed, hence more efforts were implemented towards the revitalisation of the economy.

He urged business development agencies such as LEA, Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit and other relevant stakeholders to harmonise policies and regulations, eliminate the bureaucratic obstacles that may hinder the growth and success of both the informal sector and Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).

Mr Ntsima said a cohesive framework could foster a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship, ultimately driving economic development and creating job opportunities within the region.

LEA, Caretaker CEO, Mr Thato Jensen, said the objective of the 42 informal sector market stalls was to contribute towards revitalisation of the Selebi Phikwe economic activities through supporting the informal sector with the provision of accessible and affordable ‘working market’.

He said the stalls were also an attempt to transition the informal traders to a more organised and modern trading facility that would provide a co-learning and co-creation hub in harmony with other formal business entities.

 Mr Jensen said the P3,2 million was adequate for completion of 50 stalls; however, the number was reduced to 42, and the plan was re-redesigned to cater for the construction of ablution facilities.

He said that from a total of 42 stalls, 24 would be reserved for agriculture/horticulture produce, 18 would be allocated to other sectors such as catering, tailoring, and general retail.

For his part, Councillor for Meriting Ward Mr Moagisi Buru said the introduction of these stalls represented a renewed hope for small-scale business operators and would significantly empower informal traders, providing them with much-needed boost in resources and support.

 He emphasised that these new operational spaces would not only enhance the visibility of the vendors but also improve their working conditions, allowing them to conduct businesses in an agile manner and more efficiently.

Furthermore, Mr Buru expressed optimism that this initiative would contribute to local economy by fostering entrepreneurship and creating a vibrant marketplace that would balance demand and supply. ENDS