Durban:The eThekwini Municipality is initiating a series of roadshows to review the Informal Trade and Retail Markets By-law, with the first session scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, these roadshows aim to engage traders and sector stakeholders, allowing them to share insights and contribute to proposed changes designed to bolster the informal economy sector. The current regulations, established in 2014, are under review through the Retail Markets First Amendment By-law and Informal Trade Third Amendment By-law 2026.
The initial consultation will take place at the iTRUMP Hall in Durban's central business district, beginning at 10am. Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of stakeholder input in ensuring the amendments address real-world conditions and support safe, organized trading while enhancing economic participation.
The municipality highlighted that these sessions are crucial for maintaining a regulatory framework that meets the informal economy's needs and fosters economic opportunities. Additional consultations will occur throughout October and November across various regions.
In the Inner and Outer West, meetings are planned for 16 October at Pinetown Civic Centre's Council Chamber and 22 October at Clermont Hall, Clermont Sizakala Centre, both starting at 9am. The South Areas session is set for 27 October at uMlazi V Community Hall, beginning at 10am, followed by a meeting at Bester Community Hall on 29 October for the North Areas, also starting at 10am.
Consultations for the Coastal Areas are scheduled for 5 November at Durban Surfing Club, with the Upper North Areas hosting sessions at oThongathi Sports Centre on 10 November and Verulam Library on 11 November. All sessions will start at 10am.
