Unlicensed traders warned
ETHEKWINI Municipality has issued a warning to all traders without permits to cease their unlawful operations or face the consequences.
During the month of June, the city is set to crack down on illegal activities within the Durban and Isipingo CBDS as part of an effort to regenerate and renew the areas as key economic hubs.
Musa Mbhele, head of development and planning, said while the city conducts daily enforcement action in both these areas, enforcement intervention this month would be unprecedented in that there would be continuous intensified operations to deter illegal activity in an effort to clean up the CDB, reclaim public spaces and bring law and order to the public realm.
“The city will be coming down hard on all forms of contraventions using a multidisciplinary approach involving all key departments.
“The city has zero tolerance to crime and grime and we are taking a no-nonsense approach to all illegal activity.
“The city is warning those who are engaged in illegal activities that strict enforcement will be meted out. If you are in any way contravening the by-laws of the city, you will be fined and prosecuted to the letter of the law.”
Mayor Zandile Gumede also emphasised the enforcement.
“The enforcement is part of the implementation of the regeneration strategy for the city that seeks to renew the Durban inner city and Isipingo CBDS, making it attractive to investment and pleasant for people who live and work in it,” she added.
“Another benefit is that the strategy will add value to the informal trading value chain and get rid of the exploitation of traders as many people who are trading illegally on the street do so on behalf of established businesses.
“The aim is also to ensure that crime is minimised and that people feel safe to enjoy a walk in the streets of the CDB.”
The city had said that its long-term regeneration strategy would deal with issues of security, crime and grime, and address bad buildings which are causing the key economic nodes to appear dilapidated and unsafe.