The newly launched Kayamandi Bridge Exchange Hub answers years of demand from local entrepreneurs and traders.
The R7.9 million facility officially opened on 12 August in Bird Street just behind Kayamandi Mall, Stellenbosch.
The Kayamandi Exchange Hub, which opened on 12 August in Kayamandi, is now a place for local entrepreneurs and traders to operate in a safe environment. PHOTO: Kuhle Mangana
According to a statement released by Stellenbosch Municipality on 12 August, the facility provides a modern, enclosed and secure space for local entrepreneurs, with lock-up facilities and improved infrastructure designed to support economic activity in Kayamandi.
“The hub responds to a need that has been identified by the Kayamandi community over a number of years, following extensive discussion around the need for a safer, more appropriate and more functional space for traders and commuters,” said Stuart Grobbelaar, Stellenbosch Municipality spokesperson.
Velicia May-van Rhyn is among the local entrepreneurs selected to operate their business at the hub, following a waiting period of over two years, after applying for a “lock-up-and-go” stall with the municipality.
“I was always hammering the municipality to please give us a ‘lock-up-and-go’ setup,” says May-van Rhyn.
For entrepreneurs who are yet to apply to use the new facility, Grobbelaar said, “Applications will be managed in line with approved municipal processes and policies.” He added that preference will be given to qualifying local businesses and emerging entrepreneurs based on viability, local economic benefit and compliance. Residents from the area will be prioritised.
Velicia May-van Ryhn now runs her food business inside one of the spaces at the new Kayamandi Exchange Hub that launched on 12 August. PHOTO: Kuhle Mangana
May-van Rhyn said that in 2023, she used to sell at the Bergzicht Taxi Rank in Stellenbosch. She left due to tension with other traders there, who believed that she was stealing their customers.
May-van Rhyn also explained how exhausting it was to have to pack up every night at the taxi rank and carry her supplies to the car, only for her to take them out in the morning again.
This is only part of the reason she wanted a “lock-up-and-go” facility, where she can store her supplies overnight.
Zilungile “Shooz” Benani is another entrepreneur in the area. She said she earned her nickname by selling second-hand shoes, jackets, and tools to the community.
Although she has not yet had the opportunity to operate inside the Kayamandi Exchange Hub, she sets up her stall directly outside the facility, trading alongside many other local vendors and entrepreneurs.
“The Hub across the road does not affect me. Instead, I wish I could also get a space there, because I am looking for a space where I can keep my things, or if I can open my own shop at the Hub,” said Benani.
Zilungile Benani has been running her business for six years, and hopes that her application for the Kayamandi Exchange Hub will be successful. PHOTO: Kuhle Mangana
Benani also applied for the “lock-up-and-go” facility with the municipality in 2023, but has not had a response from them yet.
“If my application is not successful, I am going to ask the municipality to at least put a container for me here, so I know that my things are safe,”said Benani.
Both entrepreneurs worry about the safety of their business goods, as both have experienced their goods being stolen from where they were stored overnight.
Grobbelaar said that security, utilities and maintenance will be managed in accordance with the facility’s operational arrangements and the municipality’s responsibilities.
He added that rental and permit fees will be determined according to the municipality’s approved tariffs, with consideration given to emerging and micro-enterprises within the applicable policy framework.