TRADERS have had to leave the Stables Lifestyle Market after a high court ruling in February, making way for a new state-of-the-art football academy. TUMI PAKKIES TRADERS have had to leave the Stables Lifestyle Market after a high court ruling in February, making way for a new state-of-the-art football academy.
Image: TUMI PAKKIES
A large group of traders have accused the eThekwini Municipality of placing obstacles in the way of their attempts to earn a livelihood through the reopening of the Stables Market on Jaco Jackson Drive.
The group of 600 traders were able to secure funds to revitalise the once-vibrant marketplace, which was officially shut down in March 2020, but they claimed the city blocked their efforts — allegations the municipality denied.
John Mills, chairperson of the Hoy Park Trading Association, speaking on behalf of the traders, expressed frustration with the city, which he said was obstructing attempts to renovate the Stables so that traders could resume operating.
“We can't tear the Stables down, and we can't build or improve them either. About 600 traders can't trade because the city is blocking it.
“We received a letter from the city stating we can't build,” said Mills.
The previous closure of the Stables formed part of a broader redevelopment initiative by the municipality to upgrade the precinct surrounding the nearby Kings Park rugby stadium, with a multi-million-rand investment that included a new Stables Lifestyle Market.
The plan was envisioned to reinvigorate the historic site as a lively, community-centred destination, yet Mills claimed the dream remained just that — “an unattainable aspiration”.
However, the former traders at the market opposed the city’s plans, resulting in a legal dispute that was eventually settled in 2020. Traders were then required to vacate the premises after the company managing the Stables lost a court battle to keep the market operational.
This judicial decision paved the way for the erection of a soccer academy project in the area, which had originally been proposed in 2012.
Brace Ramnunan, the former chairperson of the traders’ group, said the state of the market had been declining over the years.
Ramnunan said the city’s management unit had struggled to secure the funding necessary to renovate the market, which led to the facility’s condition deteriorating.
He said the site’s decay was further exacerbated because the previous management team allegedly dismantled much of the infrastructure, worsening the market’s condition.
“The Stables effectively closed in 2019, just before Covid-19 impacted us,” Ramnunan said.
He said the series of events that led to the eventual closure involved disputes over representation and leases for traders, culminating in the court awarding a 30-year lease to Hoy Park Management for its soccer project in 2019.
“When the market closed in 2019, some of the previous traders ripped the place apart.
“They tore down the building, took electrical fittings, and broke the toilets,” Ramnunan said.
He expressed disappointment over the ongoing political disputes that were now stalling progress on the latest attempt to revive the market.
“We were looking forward to the Stables being rebuilt so that we can get back into operation.
“It is sad what has happened to the market. The place used to be a hive of activity. The municipality has just not come to the party,” he said.
The city’s spokesperson, Mandla Nsele, refuted claims that the municipality was blocking traders from operating at the Stables.
“The eThekwini Municipality would like to clarify matters regarding the Stables Lifestyle Market site. In 2020, traders operating at the market were evicted following a court ruling in favour of the municipality.
“Please note that the matter regarding Stables Lifestyle Market is currently under judicial consideration (sub judice).
“As such, eThekwini Municipality cannot comment on the merits of the pending court case. We are therefore unable to provide information on the matter in relation to the legal proceedings,” Nsele explained.
He also denied claims that the municipality had spent money on consultations to revive the facility.
“The eThekwini Municipality has made no financial commitments towards the proposed development and will not be committing any funds to it,” he said.
Ramnunan responded that they were not aware of any pending legal matter involving traders and the city, adding that their previous court battle had been settled years ago.
DAILY NEWS