Residents call for local traders to be prioritised
Vendors at Pigg’s Peak want to be prioritised
Community members in Pigg’s Peak have called on authorities to prioritise local traders in the town’s economic activities.
The call was made during recent engagements where residents expressed concerns over the growing number of foreign traders operating in the town.
Members of the public from ward 1-6 urged the council to allow more opportunities for locals to participate in retail and vending activities.
Residents said prioritising Emaswati would strengthen Pigg’s Peak’s economy and ensure that money circulated within the country.
They warned that foreign traders posed a risk of relocating with profits made locally, which could weaken the town’s economic base.
One of the issues raised was the need for clear guidelines on who is permitted to trade in designated markets. Some residents said that while foreigners contributed to commerce, the limited space in local markets should first be allocated to citizens.
The community also encouraged the council to support small-scale vendors by expanding market facilities and ensuring fair competition.
They argued that many residents depend on vending as their primary source of income and therefore needed to be protected.
In response, the Mayor of Pigg’s Peak, Councillor Sipho Shongwe, acknowledged the concerns and said the council was working on upgrading vendor markets as part of its infrastructure development plans.
Shongwe reiterated that creating opportunities for local traders, particularly young people, was a priority. He added that efforts were being made to encourage youth to consider entrepreneurship as a solution to unemployment.
Pigg’s Peak continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, with figures indicating that nearly 67 percent of young people in the town are out of work.
Residents have argued that protecting local market opportunities could form part of a wider strategy to reduce joblessness.
The council has confirmed that consultations with stakeholders are ongoing to balance local participation with wider economic interests.
