New policy a silver lining for Joburg’s informal traders

Street vendors hope permits will stop abuse by cops

Joburg informal traders have welcomed the adoption of the new policy aimed at controlling street trading, highlighting that it will prevent their stock from being confiscated by police.

The city adopted the informal trading policy, which requires that anyone wishing to operate as an informal trader within the city’s jurisdiction has to apply for and be registered.

Traders will need an informal trading permit to operate.

Obed Shitlhangu, 51, who sells vegetables near PanAfrica shopping centre in Alexandra north of Johannesburg, said the municipality’s intervention would enable him to sell without being “harassed” by metro police.

“There are times when police officers would take our stock. I am happy about this law. Everything works with the law. With this law, the municipality will give us permits and place us in the areas to operate from. When I have my own stall given to me by the municipality, I will not have the metro police coming to remove me,” said Shitlhangu.

Shitlhangu said the city’s efforts to ensure that only approved traders sell on its streets would prevent movements such as Operation Dudula from “intimidating” street vendors.

“I was removed two months ago by these guys from Operation Dudula. They do not ask you whether you are a South African or foreigner. They just remove you so [and] put in their own people,” he said.

Peter Mootane, 54, who sells sweets, snacks and spices near Pan-Africa, said the new law would assist him to expand his stock.

“I hope to get a bigger space or stall where I can sell more items like clothes and watches. I currently only have a small table where I sell from. I have been selling from this table for almost 27 years,” said Mootane.

Mootane added that the city’s process to formalise informal trading would assist in curbing overcrowding in the area he sells in.

“I do not have a problem with the new law. I will now be able to sell without having to look over my shoulder... to hide my stock from the police. I will sell freely without any fears.”

Nomagugu Ndlovu, 38, who sells vegetables in Turffontein, said: “It will be really helpful for the municipality to allocate us spaces where we can sell. That way everyone has their place to sell and no one can take it from you.”