A Week in Focus: Empowerment and Compliance Take Centre Stage at JB Marks
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
This past week, the JB Marks Local Municipality rolled out two impactful initiatives aimed at improving public health, economic opportunity, and business development. From the heart of the bustling taxi rank to the strategic conversations at Govan Mbeki Hall, the municipality demonstrated its commitment to strengthening both informal trading and local tourism ecosystems.
21 May: Food Handling Roadshow Brings Guidance to Street Traders
On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, the Department of Local Economic Development hosted a Food Handling Informal Traders Roadshow, setting up direct engagement with vendors operating at the Potchefstroom taxi rank. The initiative was a multi-department collaboration involving the Fire Department, Traffic Department, and the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Health Department.
Traders were not only given vital information on environmental and health standards, but also one-on-one attention from officials who visited individual food stalls.
The sessions included practical guidance on:
Fire safety protocols,
Health compliance for food preparation, and
Road safety measures for trading in high-traffic public spaces.
Importantly, officials offered corrective measures rather than penalties, ensuring that traders had the chance to improve operations before formal permit issuance begins. This people-first approach aims to improve public health while supporting the sustainability of informal businesses, many of which are essential for local employment and food security.
22 May: Empowering SMMEs Through Tourism at Information Workshop
A day later, on 22 May, Govan Mbeki Hall came alive with the voices of entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and municipal officials during an Information Sharing Session Workshop organized in partnership with the Potchefstroom Tourism Association.
This event placed a spotlight on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and their role in regional tourism development. With facilitation and presentations by SEDA, DEDECT, and the North West Provincial Treasury, the workshop emphasized:
Strategic partnerships between local government and tourism stakeholders.
How businesses can harness authenticity and local culture to attract tourists.
Techniques for product promotion and visibility in a competitive market.
Real-time networking opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
By equipping SMMEs with tools for growth and visibility, the municipality is aligning with broader economic goals of creating a more vibrant, sustainable, and attractive tourism sector in JB Marks.
Looking Ahead
These two initiatives, focused on both compliance education for informal traders and business growth for formal entrepreneurs, reflect the municipality’s effort to nurture an inclusive economic environment. The targeted, hands-on approach used this week highlights a shift from mere policy-making to grassroots-level implementation, where people are informed, equipped, and empowered.
As JB Marks continues to roll out similar interventions, it remains to be seen how these efforts translate into long-term results, but the foundation for cooperation and community upliftment is clearly being laid.
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