Abstract:
The notion of Developmental Local Government led to a totally new
approach to what was traditionally viewed as the essential role and
function of local government. Historically, local government was seen as
an instrument to ensure the delivery of basic services (e.g. water and sanitation) to
communities in an orderly fashion and to implement regulations. However, in the
new dispensation, local government is regarded as a primary facilitator to redress
the lacking infrastructure and limited economic activity associated with most of
the segregated urban areas within South Africa (Reconstruction and Development
Programme, 1994: 129). Municipalities should, therefore, take responsibility for
reconstruction and development activities. The Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa, 1996 provides local government with a new mandate to govern,
provide services and to promote development within their areas of jurisdiction.
Currently a contentious issue is that of informal trading within urban areas in
the Country. Municipalities should create an enabling environment within which
these aspects can be addressed. This article reflects on the issue of informal
trading and the creation of an enabling environment through means of establishing
a transactional relationship between all stakeholders within the context of
informal trading.
