Paid someone for a Marabastad stall? Tshwane says they're not for sale
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya says nobody can sell traders a spot at the new Marabastad stalls. Only the city allocates them, and the only payment allowed is a city fee under a signed contract.
Nobody can sell you a spot at the new Marabastad trading stalls in Pretoria. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya said on Saturday, 31 October, that the stalls are not for sale and that only the City of Tshwane allocates them (The Citizen).
"I want to clarify that these stalls are not for sale," Moya said. She was responding to traders who had tagged her on social media, saying something was going wrong with how the stalls were being handed out (The Citizen).
Who decides who gets a Marabastad stall?
Only the city. Moya said traders will get stalls only once they have been verified and approved (The Citizen).
A list of traders has already been drawn up and agreed on, and any extra space will go to more traders. Moya said the selection is based on what traders sell and how they trade, not on who they are or who they know (The Citizen).
What is the only payment the city accepts?
A fee charged by city officials under a signed contract. Moya said that is the only acceptable payment, and warned traders to be careful about who they hand money to (The Citizen).
That means cash or a transfer to a middleman, a "committee" or anyone promising to secure you a spot does not get you a stall.
What should you do if you already paid someone?
Moya urged traders who had already paid people outside the city to get their money back (The Citizen).
If someone took your money by claiming they could sell you a stall and won't refund it, you can report it at your nearest police station or to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 (SAPS). Keep proof of what you paid, such as receipts, bank notifications or messages.
When will the new stalls open?
No date has been given. Moya said the stalls will not open until all traders are satisfied that the allocation was fair, and acknowledged the project has already been delayed (The Citizen).
"I just want to assure the traders in Marabastad that nothing is going to happen that is not fair and that is not transparent," she said (The Citizen).
FAQ
Can I buy a stall at the new Marabastad market?
No. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya said on 31 October 2026 that the stalls are not for sale and only the City of Tshwane allocates them.
How are Marabastad stalls allocated?
Traders must be verified and approved by the city. A list has been agreed, extra space goes to more traders, and selection is based on what traders sell and how they trade.
What payment is allowed for a Marabastad stall?
Only a fee charged by City of Tshwane officials under a signed contract, according to the mayor.
What if I paid someone for a stall?
The mayor urged traders to get their money back. If it isn't refunded, you can report it at a police station or to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.