A day after the City of Johannesburg impounded tables and chairs belonging to food vendors near the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, traders say the loss has dealt a heavy blow to their businesses and the people they serve.

On November 4, officials swooped on vendors along 2nd Street in Wynberg, seizing property for alleged violations of municipal by-laws. Although the traders operate in allocated stalls, many had extended their setups by placing tables and chairs on the pavement to accommodate customers.

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Trader Lizzy Mahlangu, who has been selling food for nearly three decades, said the action was devastating. “It has troubled us, because this is where people eat, and that is how we make money to feed our children.

“I have been selling food for about 28 years, but I have never been troubled like this. Our customers cannot even sit and eat on the tables because they chase them away and they take our tables.”
Mahlangu explained that without tables, her business will experience a decline in sales because customers are accustomed to sitting down to eat.

Other vendors shared the same concerns, stressing that their stalls are a lifeline for people who often spend long hours in court waiting for cases to be heard. Vendors said, without seating, they cannot adequately serve the steady stream of people who depend on them for meals.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Vendors near Alexandra Magistrate’s Court hit hard as officials confiscate tables and chairs on 2nd Street. #alex #magistratecourt ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

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At Makhadzi Fast Food, trader Matshidiso Ntlhane described how her table was seized while customers were still eating. “It did not sit well with us, but we cannot fight with the government.

“We were never given space for people to eat, only to sell takeaways. We were just forcing it so customers could sit and eat here, but the city has made it clear they are not giving us dining space.”
Regional Director for Region E Makhafola Thaba said traders had been repeatedly warned about obstructing pavements, but had failed to comply.

Acting Mayor Eunice Mgcina urged traders to comply with the by-laws, acknowledging the difficult balance between enforcement and livelihoods. She said they understand that traders have to feed their families, but they must do so in line with municipal regulations.

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