EThekwini Municipality’s proposed decision to give discount to black African traders only at the Bulk Fresh Produce Market has been met with anger, with many saying the decision is discriminating against other races who are also traders at the market.
Democratic Alliance eThekwini Councillor, Sakhile Mngadi said: “We are opposing the African National Congress’ (ANC) racist motion that seeks to give rental discounts to only black African traders. The ANC cannot use apartheid as a reason to play on our emotions by claiming rental discounts given to black African traders will correct the injustices of the past, which is the reason that was given to passing this motion. The DA believes better redress and justice is given by good governance, dismissing incompetent and corrupt officials and instituting economic reforms that attract investment and create an environment conducive to growth and opportunity.”
Cllr Mngadi added that the DA in eThekwini will continue to fight for every resident irrespective of their race, gender, religion and sexual orientation because everyone deserves to feel like they belong to the city. An Indian trader, who asked to remain anonymous, said it’s extremely unfair that they are being sidelined in the rental discount. “I believe that the discounts should not be based on skin colour. We all have suffered losses during the unrest and it would be only fair if we all benefitted. I had my stall at the market for over a decade. I sell vegetables. Following the unrest and with Covid, we are not as busy as we used to be. The decision should be re-thought as we are living in a democratic country and what’s good for one should be good for all.” Verushka Memdutt, secretary of the Market Users Committee, said they welcome the decision by eThekwini Municipality. “It is a decision we have been wanting for a long time. For a long time, the Durban Fresh Produce Market had no black African traders and having them on board now is good. Yes, they should be given that small discount to also help them get to the level that other traders are already in. People should not look at this decision as a racial decision that was implemented unfairly. This decision will give the new traders a rental discount and it will allow them to progress as well,” said Memdutt.
EThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said: “The monthly rental will be discounted for a period of three consecutive years for all existing and new African traders allocated trading and storage space. The three-year proposed discounted plan will be implemented such that the African traders receive a discounted rental in the first year of commencement hereof and the rental will gradually increase until the normal rate implemented in the fourth year.” Mayisela said the proposed discount in the first year, would be a 50%, followed by 40% and then 30%. “The total monthly rand value of the discount will vary based on the size of the stalls occupied,” he said. When asked why other races are not included in the discount, Mayisela said: “In response to the race question, please note that stalls at the Bulk Market were previously only occupied by traders of other races. In an attempt to transform the demographic profile of stall holders, a process to create additional stalls within the market commenced. As new stalls became available, African traders were allocated these stalls. “The discounted rental aims to assist the African traders minimise costs and provide them with an opportunity to compete more effectively with the established traders that have occupied stalls for decades.”
