IN A last-ditch attempt to save Durban`s Early Morning Market from demolition on Friday, traders will again approach the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in the city today. About 8000 traders and street vendors, who stand to lose their livelihood if forced to make way for a R350-million mall at Durban`s Warwick Junction, want the court to stop the demolition and renew their leases, which expire on Friday.

Romilla Chetty, secretary of the Early Morning Market Traders` Association, yesterday said the traders have not lost hope Despite opposition from traders, NGOs, academics and trade unions, the municipality is planning to demolish the 99-year-old market.

The 1860 Legacy Foundation was due to host a public meeting last night at which the progress of the team set up by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize to find a solution to the impasse between the traders and the city would be discussed. 

An attorney at the Legal Resource Centre, Mahendra Chetty, said he would apply for a court order against the municipality today on behalf of the market`s "barrow pullers", the informal workers who carry shoppers` purchases.

NIVASHNI NAIR