POLOKWANE – A small business enhancement project that started from humble beginnings a year ago on the parameter of the parking area of Seshego Plaza has now grown into a haven for enterprising entrepreneurs, complementing the services provided by the other formal enterprises in the establishment.
Centre manager Orrie Baragwanath explains that 27 vendors are currently accommodated in six steel containers that were specially converted into small shops with lockable serving hatches or doors and are just the right size for a small enterprise with zero maintenance costs.
The cubicles are rented out to the shopkeepers at a nominal rate and there is strict control over the merchandise or services available.
No cooking of food is allowed in order to protect the interests of other vendors.
Last Monday morning, visitors to the plaza supported the stalls selling sweets, refreshments, clothing, cosmetics and traditional herbs.
Services on offer included watch and copier repairs, while fixing of electronic apparatus and watch repairs are also undertaken.
There is a DStv installer and local artist, Malacia Mahopo who attracted clients to his stall selling art while making music.
Baragwanath indicated that the venture is a success story.
“The vendors were previously operating illegally and were not regulated. The facilities were unattractive and after negotiations, we relocated them into the new facility and it is now a showcase of how neat it can be with cooperation from all,” Baragwanath added.
“A community project that works. It provides for vendor families in the community and the needs of shoppers at the Seshego Plaza, a spotlessly clean and safe shopping experience,” Baragwanath concluded.
